Writing Dialogue

Dialogue IntroductionDialogue should be true to life, but it

cannot be exactly true.Real speech is often aimless, halting, or

unfinished.Thus, the trick is to write dialogue that

seems real, but that is easy for the audience to follow.

Devices that will help knit your dialogue together…

RepetitionOne character picks up on a word that

another character has just said:Character 1: “You’re not open to any new

ideas. You won’t even listen to a word about immigration!”

Character 2: “A word! I’ve listened to volumes!”

InterruptionsOne character breaks in on another,

completing the first character’s line.Character 1: “If only we could get enough

—”Character 2: “Hard cash?”

TAGSIn writing dialogue for a story, you start a new

paragraph each time the speaker changes. Using tags helps the reader to know who is speaking.

“I’d really like you to sit down,” she said.He whined, “I’m tired of watching this

movie.”“What are you doing?” she asked.“That’s stupid,” hissed Julia viciously.

Use ActionInstead of getting in the TAG RUT, try

incorporating some action:She pointed across the room. “Get over

there!”She slammed her hands down on the

table. “NO!”

More TipsDon’t create non-parts with your characters

in dialogue. This is the agreeing, nodding, uh-huh-ing character.

Work to reveal information from both sides of the conversation.

And watch that punctuation…

In his usual rush, Orion tumbled through the door. “Mom, I’m home,” he shouted. “Take your shoes off,” she called.

“Did you take your shoes off?” he sassed back.

Practice!Use the comic strip on the following

slides to help you craft interesting dialogue.

Step 1 = Study the sceneStep 2 = Write their words (the ones

you think they’re saying) as they would appear in a comic.

Step 3 = Rewrite this into a paragraph that uses tags and dialogue action. You may add description if needed.

Practicing dialogue:

1. Think about what is going on in this scene.

2. Write their lines.

3. Then, re-write this as a conversation with tags and action

(add description where you need it).