• Cognitive science has begun to shape our understanding of character psychology in literature.
• This is important because the portrayal of characters’ thoughts and feelings is a key aspect of literary analysis.
• Example: Think about how understanding a person's mood can change the way you interpret their actions. Similarly, understanding a character's mind in literature can significantly alter our perception of their actions and dialogue.

• The Renaissance was a pivotal era where the portrayal of inner character conflict became vital to literature.
• Characters in folktales had personalities, but Renaissance literature explored their conflicting passions more deeply.
• Example: In the Harry Potter series, characters like Draco Malfoy are not just 'evil.' We see inner conflicts, making them more relatable and complex.

• John Keats commended Shakespeare for his 'Negative Capability,' meaning Shakespeare could dwell in uncertainty and mystery without reaching for fact or reason.
• Hamlet's soliloquy reveals his thoughts and feelings but still contains elements of uncertainty and mystery.
• Literary devices such as iambic pentameter, imagery, and allusions add depth and express the character's thoughts more vividly.
• Example: The imagery of the world as a 'rotting garden' evokes feelings of decay and corruption in Hamlet's mind.

• Shakespeare's poetic representation may make the feelings more grand and elevated, yet potentially distant from our own feelings.
• However, we can still relate by considering instances when our own thoughts are filled with doubt or uncertainty. Even though our everyday language may be different, the essence of such thoughts can align with Shakespeare's representation.

• Austen uses a different approach where thoughts and feelings aren't directly stated, rather they're conveyed through character interactions and narrative techniques.
• Example: The character Elizabeth's surprise isn't narrated in a monologue; instead, it's revealed through her actions, responses, and situations, which can be compared to how we understand someone's feelings in real-life social situations.

• Different text types have different 'registers' or levels of formality.
• This variation can influence the portrayal of thoughts and feelings. A more formal text might be detached, while a more intimate text might help readers connect to the character's feelings more deeply.
• Example: A diary entry (informal, intimate) vs. a letter to a formal institution (formal, detached).

These notes offer a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of characters' thoughts in literature. Remember to keep your eyes open for these techniques when you're reading and consider how they impact your understanding of the characters' minds!