how to write characters with muteness/mutism? (i hope i'm using the right words)
Both words may be used :) Mutism seems to be the more frequently used term in research and clinical settings.
Character Development: Mutism
Mutism - an inability or unwillingness to speak, resulting in an absence or marked paucity of verbal output
It is a common clinical symptom seen in psychiatric as well as neurology outpatient department
It rarely presents as an isolated disability and often occurs in association with other disturbances in behavior, thought processes, affect, or level of consciousness
The condition may also be voluntary, as in monastic vows of silence or the decision to speak only to selected individuals
Mutism occurs in a number of conditions, both functional and organic, and a proper diagnosis is important for the management
To write your character with mutism, you may want to begin with their backstory. Below are some types of mutism you could consider.
Selective mutism - having the ability to speak but feeling unable to, often because of social anxiety and debilitating shyness
Organic mutism - caused by brain injury, such as with drug use or after a stroke
Cerebellar mutism - caused by the removal of a brain tumor from a part of the skull surrounding the cerebellum, which controls coordination and balance
Aphasia - occurs when people find it difficult to speak because of stroke, brain tumor, or head injury
Additional definition: Selective mutism is characterized by a consistent failure to speak in social situations in which there is an expectation to speak (e.g., school) even though the individual speaks in other situations. The failure to speak has significant consequences on achievement in academic or occupational settings or otherwise interferes with normal social communication.
After determining the possible type/s and/or causes of your character's mutism, below are some characteristics and behaviours. Choose which ones are appropriate for your character. Also determine the frequency and the degree in which these occur.
Some Characteristics of People with Mutism
Social anxiety or shyness outside of the home
Silence that interferes with work or school
Mutism that can't be explained by trouble with language skills
Having experienced trauma
Suddenly becoming silent after speaking regularly
For organic or cerebellar mutism, not being able to speak despite wanting to
For aphasia, mutism can come with difficulty reading, telling time, understanding numbers, and writing
Being silent in social situations outside of the home
Using nonverbal communication when spoken to
Asking others to speak for them
Interruptions in daily well-being because of mutism
Is caused by intense anxiety or social phobia
The symptoms interfere with school or work
Ability to speak at home with family or people they are comfortable with
Fear or anxiety around people they do not know well
Inability to speak in certain social situations
This pattern must be seen for at least 1 month to be called selective mutism. (The first month of school does not count, because shyness is common during this period.)
Note: In selective mutism, the child can understand and speak, but is unable to speak in certain settings or environments. Children with mutism never speak. Selective mutism falls under the "Anxiety Disorders" category.
Sample Case Report from this article
A 35-year-old married male was brought by police personnel with chief complaints of not speaking for the last 3 months. The patient had been under trial for the last 6 months for the alleged charge of setting fire in a cowshed. He would not interact with any of the jail inmates. He would however ask for food by non-verbal communication/gestures and would perform all his daily chores normally as reported. He was asked to follow up with family members. History reviewed from wife and elder brother reveled history of 18 years history characterized by violent abusive behavior, wandering behavior, irritability, decreased sleep, restlessness, muttering to self, and at times reporting that other would harm him, associated with withdrawn behavior and socio-occupational dysfunction. On one occasion, he became mute also and did not talk for a period of around 4 months associated with sadness of mood and decreased interest in surroundings. 6 months back, he had symptoms of muttering to self, would often roam about naked and get irritable on minor issues. No other significant history was obtained. MSE revealed decreased PMA, rapport not established, eye to eye contact could not be maintained, he was mute and would communicate nonverbally appropriately. His affect was blank with no facial expressions. All his routine investigations were within normal limits. A diagnosis of schizophrenia was entertained, and he was started on risperidone 6 mg per day and lorazepam 4 mg per day. Gradually the patient started showing improvement in symptoms.
If this inspires your writing in any way, do tag me, or send me a link. I would love to read your work!
