How do Henry James’s novels make inner thoughts central to the story?

Henry James made inner thoughts central to his novels by shifting the focus of his narrative from external action to the psychological processes of his characters. As a transitional figure between realism and Modernism, James prioritized the "life of the mind," meticulously exploring his characters' perceptions, emotions, and limited insights.123

To achieve this, James employed techniques that anticipated the stream-of-consciousness movement. By focusing on how external events impact individual consciousness, he moved beyond traditional storytelling to provide a subtle rendering of the human psyche. His approach allowed him to examine the complex, often delicate ways in which individuals experience reality, making the internal development of his protagonists the primary driver of his narratives. Through this emphasis on psychological depth, James became recognized as one of the most subtle craftsmen in the history of the novel.431

Would you like to explore how these techniques specifically manifest in one of his major works, such as The Portrait of a Lady or The Ambassadors?