Writing effective dialogue is essential for any fiction writer. Good dialogue should enliven the narrative, offer the reader insights into the characters and move the plot forward. In this mini-manual, we will explore six essential steps for writing dialogue that feels real and engaging.
1. Listen to how people speak in reality (the form).
To write compelling dialogue, it is essential to observe and listen to how people communicate in everyday life. Each individual has a unique way of expressing himself or herself that reflects his or her personality, background, and emotional state. By paying attention to the language, timing, and rhythms of real conversation, you can begin to understand how to transpose these elements effectively into your writing.
Practical point: Dedicate yourself to regular observation sessions. Listen to conversations in public places and note the distinctive features of people's speech patterns.
2. Characterize through dialogue (the substance)
Dialogue is a powerful tool for characterization without having to resort to lengthy descriptions. Through what characters say and how they say it, you can reveal their values, fears, expectations, and more.
Practical point: When writing dialogue, ask yourself if the way the character speaks reflects his or her background, age, education level, and personality. Make sure there is consistency between the character and the way he or she expresses himself or herself.
3. Use dialogue to advance the plot
Each piece of dialogue should serve a narrative purpose. Whether it is to advance the plot, reveal important details, or create tension, dialogue should always have a reason to exist.
Practical point: Review your dialogue and ask yourself if it helps advance the story or if it adds something essential to the reader's understanding about the plot or characters. Eliminate or rewrite dialogue that takes up space without adding value.
4. Keep the dialogue concise
In the real world, people often ramble in their conversations. However, in narrative dialogues, every word should have a purpose. Brevity helps maintain the pace of the narrative and keep the reader's attention.
Practical point: Limit superfluous exchanges of lines and ensure that each retort serves to build tension, reveal something relevant, or influence the dynamic between characters.
5. Avoid overuse of explanations in dialogue
Using dialogue to explain complex situations to readers is a strong temptation, but this can make dialogue unnatural and didactic. Characters should not say things they already know just for the benefit of the reader.
Practical point: Be careful not to fall into the trap of “as you know, Bob,” where characters end up discussing things that are obvious to them. Find more subtle ways to insert necessary information.
6. Reread and replay the dialogue
After writing dialogue, it is crucial to reread it, possibly aloud. This can help you catch unnatural rhythms or phrases that sound fake or forced. Listening to your own text can reveal where the dialogue flows well and where it may need further adjustment.
Practical point: Use reading aloud as a final test for each dialogue scene. Also consider using software that can read the text for you, giving you a new perspective on the naturalness of your characters' lines.
In conclusion, living dialogue is essential to immerse readers in the world you have created. By following these six steps, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of your dialogues, making your narrative more dynamic and engaging.
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