According to the Oxford Dictionary, present simple is used to describe the story in novels, but does that also apply to actions being done by characters at a precise moment?
Now I know that present continuous is used to talk about actions happening at the moment, so why shouldn't that apply to actions in books and films as well?
Unfortunately, the examples I found in the Oxford Dictionary didn't help much to answer my question since they all refer to events rather than current actions.
When Catherine's father adopts the starving orphan boy, Catherine's brother feels deeply hurt and resentful. She, on the other hand, develops an immensely strong bond with Heathcliff, which becomes an all-consuming love.
Upon her father's death, Hindley becomes the head of the family and forces Heathcliff to assume the position of a sevant. […]
What if the characters were, for example, talking and laughing about something at a very precise moment, which tense would I have to use to describe that?
Best Answer
If I am understanding your question correctly you would still use the simple present.
One day, while spying on the Lintons with Heathcliff, Catherine is injured by their dog when it bites her.
Here I am talking about Catherine being injured at the time the dog bites her, and it is still in the simple present. Or:
"At 12:51 after returning from Thrushcross Grange Catherine says to Heathcliff 'Why, how very black and cross you look!', which Heathcliff takes offense to and refuses to shake her hand."
There is no reason not to use the simple present in these situations.