In the plot of a novel, there are many ways for characters to hide their depression. The author can use the following methods to portray the inner struggles of these characters and their external manifestations: ### 1. Methods of hiding depression 1. **Outwardly optimistic and positive**: - The character appears to be positive and optimistic on the surface, often smiling, but is filled with pain and despair on the inside. - For example, the character always takes the initiative to speak and participate in social situations, but feels lonely and helpless in private. 2. **Over-concealment**: - The character may divert attention by being busy, working, studying, etc. to avoid facing the inner depression. - For example, the character may work overtime until late at night every day and have almost no private time to suppress the inner anxiety. 3. **Self-isolation**: - Although on the surface, the character actually keeps an emotional distance from relatives and friends and is unwilling to share his true feelings. - For example, the character is silent at family gatherings and does not participate in deep conversations. 4. **Emotional repression**: - The character does not express his emotions, avoids crying or showing sadness, so as not to be noticed by others. - For example, when a character faces a difficult situation, they choose to bear it alone, without seeking help or talking to others. 5. **Playing the role expected by others**: - A character may play a certain role in order to meet the expectations of others, even if it does not match their true feelings. - For example, a character who is expected to be the "pillar" in the family hides his or her own vulnerability and anxiety. ### 2. Extreme behaviors that express inner struggles 1. **Self-harm**: - A character releases inner pain by self-harming, such as cutting wrists or burning. - This behavior is not only an external manifestation of pain, but also reflects the despair deep inside the character. 2. **Alcoholism or drug abuse**: - A character may rely on alcohol or drugs to numb himself or herself and temporarily escape from the pressure and pain of reality. - For example, a character frequently goes to bars and gradually falls into the bad habit of alcoholism. 3. **Suicidal tendencies**: - A character shows suicidal thoughts or behaviors, such as leaving a suicide note, planning suicide, etc., to show his or her extreme despair. - This plot is usually used to highlight the extreme pain and helplessness of the character. 4. **Violent behavior**: - Characters may engage in violent behavior such as fighting, destroying property, etc. due to uncontrollable emotional outbursts. - These behaviors not only hurt others, but also reflect the character's unresolved inner conflicts. 5. **Self-isolation**: - Characters completely isolate themselves from the outside world, cut off contact with relatives and friends, stay alone for a long time, and even avoid social activities. - This behavior may lead to a worsening of the character's living conditions and further deepen their depression. 6. **Risky behavior**: - Characters may participate in high-risk activities such as gambling and extreme sports to seek excitement and escape from their inner pain. - These behaviors often bring more troubles and negative consequences, further exacerbating the character's inner struggle. ### 3. Specific applications in literature When portraying characters who hide their depression, writers can use delicate psychological descriptions and behavioral details to show the character's inner world. For example: - **Delicate inner monologue**: Through the character's inner monologue, reveal the contradiction between their true emotions and external disguise. - **Symbolic objects**: Use symbolic objects (such as broken mirrors, withered flowers) to metaphorically represent the character's inner state. - **Contrast of behavior and environment**: By contrasting the character's behavior with the changes in the surrounding environment, the loneliness and struggle within the character can be highlighted. Through these methods, the novel can more realistically and deeply portray the character who hides the depressed emotions, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and the resonance of the reader.