“Dialogue should sound real, but it shouldn’t be real. It’s the illusion of reality.” – William Bernhardt
Introduction: The Power of Dialogue
Let me ask you a question: What makes dialogue engaging? Think about your favorite books. What lines of dialogue stick with you? Chances are, they aren’t just words on a page. They reveal character, drive the story forward, and add emotion to the narrative.
Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in your writing toolbox. It does more than let characters talk—it breathes life into them.
What Dialogue Should Do
Great dialogue serves multiple functions in a story:
- Reveals Character – The way a person speaks (or doesn’t) tells us who they are.
- Advances the Plot – Dialogue should move the story forward, not stall it.
- Creates Conflict and Tension – Arguments, misunderstandings, secrets—these all unfold through dialogue.
- Establishes Mood and Tone – Witty banter creates a lighthearted feel, while clipped responses signal tension.
- Adds Subtext – What isn’t said is often just as important as what is.
The Key Elements of Great Dialogue
1. Keep It Real—But Not Too Real
Real conversations are filled with pauses, ums, and small talk—but fiction needs to be tighter. Cut the fluff while maintaining a natural rhythm.
Example of bad dialogue:
“Hey, how are you doing today?”
“Oh, I’m fine, just a little tired. How about you?”
“Yeah, same. Work was busy.”
Better version:
“You look exhausted. Rough day?”
“Tell me about it. Coffee first, details later.”
2. Differentiate Character Voices
Each character should have a distinct way of speaking. Consider:
- Word choice (formal vs. casual, slang usage)
- Sentence structure (long-winded vs. short and punchy)
- Tone and delivery (sarcastic, hesitant, authoritative)
Example:
A professor: “The ramifications of such an action are quite extensive.” A teenager: “Yeah, that’s a no from me.”
3. Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of explaining emotions, let them come through in dialogue and action.
Example of telling:
She was angry. “I can’t believe you did that!” she said.
Better version (showing):
She slammed the glass onto the counter. “Seriously? You thought that was a good idea?”
4. Use Dialogue to Create Tension
Conflict makes dialogue engaging. Give characters opposing goals, misunderstandings, or secrets.
Example:
“You lied to me.” “I didn’t lie—I just didn’t tell you everything.” “That’s the same thing.”
5. Read It Aloud
Good dialogue has rhythm. If it sounds unnatural when spoken, tweak it.
Formatting and Punctuation Rules
- Use quotation marks to enclose spoken words.
- “I can’t believe this,” she said.
- Start a new paragraph every time a new character speaks.
- Use action beats to break up long stretches of dialogue.
- He leaned against the wall. “We’re running out of time.”
- Limit dialogue tags (said, asked, whispered). If it’s clear who’s speaking, remove them.
- Avoid overusing adverbs in dialogue tags. Instead of “he said angrily,” show anger through the words or actions.
Common Dialogue Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Too much exposition – Don’t make dialogue an info dump.
❌ Unnecessary small talk – Skip “Hi, how are you?” unless it serves a purpose.
❌ Characters sounding the same – Make sure each has a unique voice.
❌ Overusing names – In real conversations, we don’t say each other’s names constantly.
Exercise: Strengthen Your Dialogue
- Write a conversation between two characters who are hiding a secret from each other.
- Rewrite a scene using only dialogue (no narration). Can readers still understand what’s happening?
- Take a dull conversation and add tension. Raise the stakes with conflict or subtext.
Final Thoughts
Dialogue is a powerful way to connect readers to your characters and story. When done well, it feels effortless and natural—pulling readers deeper into your world.
Now, what will your characters say next?
Questions to Consider:
- Do your characters sound unique and natural?
- Does each line of dialogue serve a purpose?
- Can you trim excess words to make the dialogue sharper?
By mastering dialogue, you’ll give your story a dynamic, authentic voice that captivates readers. Happy writing!
