I guess there are two levels on which to consider this: practical execution and sensitivity.
1. When it comes to the practical, there are some ways to work with a non verbal character.
Are they a POV character? Then you can show the reader their thoughts and commentary in the easiest way. If not, things get more tricky but not unmanageable.
Are they using sign language? Are they writing things down? Are they using some other kind of communication? A combination of different things depending on who they are talking to? Here it’s good to have another character they can bounce off of, in a sense. Someone who can “read” them, essentially, so the reader has a way to understand them. You can describe their communication at times, e.g. with specific gestures or something along those lines. Or (as I have for example seen in Rick Riordans Magnus Chase series that features a mute character) write their “signing” in italics like you would a dialouge.
Example: Susi shook her head, her hands nearly too quick for me to keep up. I am so hungry, somebody get me pizza, please!
Or just use dialouge tags and quotations as usual:
Susi shook her head, her hands nearly too quick for me to keep up. “I am so hungry, somebody get me pizza, please!”
You basically have to ask yourself this: How can I utilize the character and their surrounding to make them “talk” without speech? And this without making it clunky and hard for the reader. A non verbal character doesn’t have to vanish into the background.
Plus never forget: Talking with actions. Dialouge is a great way to build up a character, but every character should showcase their personality in everything they do. The way they move, take action (or don’t), the way they relate to others, etc.
2. Now we come to the subject of sensitivity: do your research. A lot, a lot, a lot of research. I can just tell you the techniques I saw that worked well in books. But that’s not enough. For example, try to find out what non verbal people are tired of seeing in media portrayels. Topics like these require sensitivity and respect.
Example: If you have a character who is non verbal, because of a disability, it would have abelist connotations if the goal of their arc was to “fix them”.
As the character you want to build is mute by choice, it’s very important to do your research on the topic, as to not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or misconceptions. There probably is a psychological reason. How do you handle this with the care that this issue calls for? What are the struggles and how do you showcase them in a realistic way?
I am sure you will do a great job. Have fun writing.
*I’d like to add: If “non verbal” or “mute” is not the right term to use in this case I am very sorry. English is not my first language and I’d hate to use a wrong term, please excuse my mistake if that is the case.
Edit: Check out this post about ASL. Maybe that’s what you are looking for!
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