Spencer Lanoue
Writing dialogue can be a tricky part of storytelling, whether you're crafting a novel, a screenplay, or an engaging short story. Dialogue needs to sound natural and convey the right tone. It also must advance the plot and develop your characters. If you've ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of how to make your characters speak in a way that feels real, you're not alone. Let's break down some strategies to help you create dialogue that sings.
Why Dialogue Matters
Dialogue is more than just characters talking to each other. It's a powerful tool that can reveal personality, create tension, and provide information without resorting to a data dump. Think of your favorite film or book. Chances are, some of the most memorable moments are delivered through the characters' words. So, why does dialogue hold such weight?
- Character Development: Dialogue allows your characters to express themselves in their unique voices, helping readers understand who they are beyond physical descriptions or actions. For example, a character who speaks in short, clipped sentences might come across as terse or efficient, whereas one who uses elaborate language might seem more intellectual or pretentious.
- Plot Advancement: Through dialogue, you can reveal key plot points naturally, without overwhelming your readers with exposition. A simple conversation can hint at backstory or foreshadow upcoming events.
- Building Relationships: The way characters interact can show their relationships with one another. Banter can highlight friendship, while awkward pauses might suggest tension or an unresolved conflict.
Dialogue is a tool, and like any tool, it’s essential to use it skillfully. But don't worry. Crafting effective dialogue is a skill you can develop with practice.
Crafting Authentic Voices
Creating distinct voices for your characters is crucial. If all your characters sound the same, your story might come across as flat. But how do you give each character a unique voice?
Listen to Real Conversations: One of the best ways to learn how people speak is to listen. Eavesdrop (politely!) on conversations in cafes or public transport. Notice the rhythms, the interruptions, and the filler words people use. Real conversations are often messy, filled with "um," "like," and "you know," but you don’t need to replicate this completely. Instead, use it to inspire natural speech patterns in your characters.
Consider Background and Personality: A character's background can heavily influence their speech. A teenager might use slang or be more informal, while an older character might speak more traditionally. Personality also plays a role. An introverted character might speak less and choose words more carefully than an extroverted one.
Here's a quick example of how two characters might discuss the same topic differently:
"Hey, did you see the new show last night?" Sarah asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
"Yeah, caught it on my break," John replied, leaning back in his chair. "Wasn't too bad, I guess."
Notice how Sarah’s excitement comes through with her quick, direct question, while John's more laid-back attitude is reflected in his relaxed response. This subtle difference helps readers understand more about each character through their dialogue.
Balancing Dialogue with Narrative
While dialogue is important, it shouldn't overshadow the narrative. Balancing the two is key to maintaining a well-paced story. Here are a few tips to strike that balance:
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use dialogue to show actions or emotions rather than just telling the reader. Instead of saying, "He was angry," use dialogue to convey this: "I can't believe you did that! What were you thinking?"
- Break Up Long Conversations: Long stretches of dialogue can become tedious. Break them up with actions, descriptions, or internal thoughts to maintain reader interest. For instance, instead of a lengthy back-and-forth, intersperse it with a character fiddling with their coffee cup or glancing around a room.
Dialogue should serve the story. If a conversation doesn't add to character development or move the plot forward, consider cutting it.
Using Subtext in Dialogue
Subtext refers to the underlying meaning beneath the spoken words. It's what your characters are really saying, even if they don't express it directly. Mastering subtext can add depth to your dialogue, making it more engaging and realistic.
Create Tension: Subtext is excellent for creating tension and conflict. Characters might be saying one thing but meaning another, allowing readers to read between the lines. Consider a scene where two characters are discussing dinner plans. On the surface, it’s mundane, but through subtext, it could reveal dissatisfaction or jealousy.
Here’s how subtext might play out:
"Are we still on for dinner tonight?" Mark asked, glancing at his phone.
"Sure, if you're not too busy," Lisa replied, her voice just a little too casual.
Mark's focus on his phone suggests he might not be fully present, while Lisa's response hints at underlying frustration. The words are simple, but the subtext adds complexity.
Writing Realistic Conversations
In real life, conversations are rarely straightforward. People interrupt, change topics, and leave sentences unfinished. To create realistic dialogue, incorporate these elements of natural speech, but be mindful not to overdo it.
- Interruptions: Use interruptions to create a sense of urgency or impatience. For example, "I was thinking we could—" "No, we can't do that!"
- Ellipses and Dashes: These can indicate trailing thoughts or sudden changes in conversation. For example, "I thought I saw someone, but..."
- Incorporate Small Talk: Real conversations often include small talk, but in writing, it should be purposeful. Use it to set the scene or show relationships, not to fill space.
Remember, the goal is to create dialogue that feels natural without bogging down the story with unnecessary words.
Avoiding On-the-Nose Dialogue
On-the-nose dialogue is when characters say exactly what they're thinking or feeling, leaving no room for interpretation. While sometimes necessary, overuse can make characters seem flat or unrealistic.
Leave Room for Readers: Allow readers to infer characters' feelings or intentions. Instead of a character saying, "I'm angry with you," show it through actions or tone of voice.
Here's an example of avoiding on-the-nose dialogue:
"I can't believe you'd do that to me," Tom said, his voice barely above a whisper. He turned away, fists clenched at his sides.
Tom doesn't explicitly state he's angry, but his actions and tone convey his feelings effectively.
Punctuating Dialogue Correctly
Punctuation in dialogue is crucial for clarity and flow. Incorrect punctuation can confuse readers and disrupt the narrative's rhythm. Here are some basic rules to follow:
- Use Quotation Marks: Always enclose spoken words in quotation marks. For instance, "I'll be there soon," she said.
- Place Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks: Periods and commas typically go inside the quotation marks, while question marks and exclamation points depend on the sentence. For example, "Are you coming?" she asked.
- Start a New Paragraph for Each Speaker: This helps readers follow who is speaking. Each time a new person talks, start a new line.
Proper punctuation ensures your dialogue is easy to read and understand, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story.
Tagging Dialogue Effectively
Dialogue tags are phrases like "he said" or "she asked" that help attribute speech to a particular character. They can be simple, but using them effectively can enhance your writing.
Use Tags Sparingly: Too many tags can become distracting. Instead of tagging every line, use them when necessary to clarify who’s speaking. If it’s clear from context, you can omit the tags.
Vary Your Tags: While "said" is often the best choice because it’s unobtrusive, occasionally varying your tags can add depth. Use alternatives like "replied," "murmured," or "shouted" when they add to the scene's emotion or tone.
Here’s how you might mix tags with action:
"Are you sure this is safe?" Anna asked, peering over the edge.
"It'll be fine," Mark assured, gripping the rope tighter.
The tags here serve to clarify who’s speaking and add a layer of action to the dialogue.
Editing Your Dialogue
After writing your dialogue, take the time to edit and refine it. Editing can transform good dialogue into great dialogue, enhancing the overall quality of your writing.
Read Aloud: One of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing or unnatural dialogue is to read it out loud. This technique helps you hear the rhythm and flow, making it easier to spot areas that need improvement.
Cut Unnecessary Words: Dialogue should be concise. Remove words that don’t add value or move the story forward. If a character’s speech feels long-winded, consider breaking it up or rephrasing.
Get Feedback: Sharing your work with others can provide valuable insights. They might catch issues you've overlooked or suggest improvements. Consider using tools like Spell to collaborate with others in real-time, allowing you to refine your dialogue with input from trusted peers.
Editing is a crucial step in the writing process, and with practice, it can become a natural part of crafting dialogue.
Final Thoughts
Writing dialogue that feels authentic and engaging is a skill that can be honed with practice and patience. Remember to keep your characters' voices distinct and their conversations purposeful. As you refine your dialogue, consider using Spell to streamline the editing process and collaborate with others effortlessly. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting dialogue that resonates with readers.
