Literary notes about Faltered (AI summary)
The word "faltered" in literature is often used to depict a moment of hesitation or emotional vulnerability in speech. It signals a breaking point in a character’s dialogue—sometimes a wavering of the voice when overwhelmed by emotion ([1], [2], [3]) and other times a brief loss of confidence or composure when faced with challenging or unexpected situations ([4], [5], [6]). Its application spans subtle confessions, as when a character stammers out regret or uncertainty ([7], [8], [9]), to more dramatic pauses that heighten tension and underscore inner turmoil ([10], [11], [12]). Whether it underscores vulnerability, shock, or an internal struggle, the term enriches narrative tone and character depth, inviting readers to sense the fragile human moments behind every spoken word ([13], [14], [15]).
- His voice faltered, and he abruptly quitted h
— from The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Ward Radcliffe - He faltered, and then became motionless, save for his quivering knees.
— from The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War by Stephen Crane - Mary faltered, beginning to feel frightened.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - “It's very important for me to be in time to see my brother to-day,” Alyosha faltered.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - “You … I …” he faltered now in a voice breaking with joy.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - When he has been transferred to the Guards...” she faltered.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - "And so, my pretty girl, you've come on a friendly visit to us, as relations?" "I suppose I have," faltered Tess, looking uncomfortable again.
— from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas Hardy - His voice faltered, but, recovering it, he proceeded in a firmer tone.
— from The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Ward Radcliffe - "I am very sorry," Janetta faltered, scarcely knowing why she said so.
— from A True Friend: A Novel by Adeline Sergeant - faltered out a dismissal: dismissal of his last substantial man, but pacification of his scarlet-woman.
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - But now let what might have been come true for one minute,” she faltered, with a drawn smile, looking into his face joyfully again.
— from The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - …” He suddenly faltered and turned crimson.
— from The possessed : by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - "It's like his writing," faltered Meg, comparing it with the note in her hand.
— from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - “But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,” faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself.
— from A Christmas Carol in Prose; Being a Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens - 'Let her go!' cried Hook. ''Twas your own orders,' the bo'sun faltered.
— from Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie
