What is the correct way to format text in a novel when a person is thinking?

Question

Are you supposed to italicize the "thinking" text?

Answer 1

Yes, most people do use italics to separate a character's thoughts from the typical narrative.  The exception would be if the book were written from first person and everything is the thoughts of one character.  In that case, obviously, there is no need.  But when you're writing in third person, italics is the universal "thinking text".

Answer 2

Yes, my friend. You are supposed to italicize the text when a character is thinking.

However, you can use metaphors and more writing to give meaning and depth to the person's thoughts. That doesn't have to be italicized.

Answer 3

It is better to italize what your character thinks especially if you want your reader/s the real situation of your character.