Different types of voices can be used to convey different personalities and moods of the characters in a book. Describing these characters’ voices can help differentiate them from one another.

Below are some descriptions of voices to help you describe your characters:

Breathy – sounds as if they are out of breath

Gravelly – deep and rough-sounding

High-pitched – shrill and grating

Hoarse – low or rough, usually due to a sore throat or screaming (similar to gravelly)

Honeyed – sweet sounding and gentle

Matter-of-fact – this is a way of speaking that is simple and to the point

Monotonous – the voice doesn’t change in volume, pitch, or intonation

Nasal – sounds as if they are speaking through their nose

Shrill – loud and piercing voice that makes listening to them unpleasant (similar to high-pitched)

Strangled – sounds are stopped before they are finished making them

Tight – uses clipped words and can describe someone who is nervous or annoyed

Remember: Not all ‘voices’ can be heard by the ears. You can also use body language and sign language to show a character’s voice.