Spencer Lanoue
Writing dialogue can feel tricky, like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. It’s not just about what your characters say, but how they say it, and what remains unsaid. Dialogue breathes life into your stories, allowing readers to connect with your characters on a deeper level. In this blog, let's explore how to craft dialogue that sounds authentic and engaging.
Getting Inside Your Characters’ Heads
To write dialogue that feels real, you first need to understand your characters. Who are they? What are their motivations, desires, and fears? Knowing these will help you figure out not just what they say, but how they say it.
- Think about your character’s background: Where did they grow up? What was their family like? This will impact how they speak.
- Consider their current situation: Are they confident or nervous? Happy or upset? Dialogue should reflect their emotional state.
- Listen to real conversations: Eavesdrop (politely, of course) to get a sense of how people actually speak. Notice the cadences, interruptions, and the ebb and flow of conversations.
When characters have distinct voices, they become more relatable and memorable. For example, a shy teenager might struggle to express themselves, while a seasoned businessman might speak in short, direct sentences.
The Art of Subtext
Sometimes, what isn’t said is more important than what is. Subtext is the underlying meaning behind the words spoken. It's the tension and emotion that run beneath the surface.
- Use subtext to add depth: Instead of saying "I'm angry," show it through clipped responses or sarcasm.
- Create tension with subtext: Characters might say one thing but mean another. This can add layers to your story, keeping readers engaged.
Here's a quick example of subtext in action:
"Are you coming to the party?" she asked, her voice light.
"Yeah, sure," he replied, staring at his shoes.
"Great," she said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
In this exchange, the words are simple, but there's an unspoken tension. Maybe there’s history between these characters, or perhaps one of them is hiding something.
Balancing Dialogue With Narrative
While dialogue is crucial, it’s important to balance it with narrative. This helps to set the scene and gives context. Too much dialogue can overwhelm the reader and make your story feel like a script.
- Use narrative to break up dialogue: This can help pace the conversation and provide insight into characters’ thoughts and feelings.
- Show actions and reactions: Describe what characters are doing while they talk. This can add another layer of meaning to the conversation.
For instance:
"I can’t believe you did that," she said, crossing her arms tightly.
He shrugged, glancing away. "It seemed like a good idea at the time."
Here, the actions of the characters—crossing arms, glancing away—add depth to the dialogue, hinting at their emotional states.
Using Dialogue Tags Wisely
Dialogue tags like "he said" and "she asked" are essential, but using them effectively requires a bit of finesse.
- Keep tags simple: "Said" and "asked" are often your best options. They're unobtrusive and keep the focus on the dialogue itself.
- Use action beats instead of tags: Sometimes, you can replace a tag with an action to illustrate who is speaking.
For example:
"I can’t believe you did that," she said, crossing her arms tightly.
"I can’t believe you did that." She crossed her arms tightly.
The second example uses an action beat to indicate who is speaking, which can add variety to your writing.
Creating Distinctive Voices
Every character should have a unique voice that reflects their personality and background. This helps readers differentiate between characters and makes them more memorable.
- Use vocabulary and syntax: A professor might use longer, more complex sentences, while a child might speak in simple, direct phrases.
- Reflect their personality: A sarcastic character might use humor to deflect serious questions, while a nervous character might stammer or use filler words.
Here's a quick example:
"Do you think it's going to rain?" asked the professor, peering over his glasses.
"Nah, it never rains on game day," said the teenager, kicking at the dirt.
In this exchange, the professor's formal language contrasts with the teenager's casual tone, highlighting their different backgrounds and personalities.
Pacing Your Dialogue
Pacing in dialogue is crucial for maintaining the reader's interest and conveying the right mood. Fast-paced dialogue can create tension or excitement, while slower dialogue can build suspense or convey a relaxed atmosphere.
- Use short sentences for fast-paced dialogue: This can create a sense of urgency.
- Include pauses and longer sentences for slower dialogue: This can slow down the pace, allowing for introspection or tension building.
For example, a fast-paced exchange might look like this:
"Did you see him?" she asked, breathless.
"Yeah, just now. He's heading this way."
"What do we do?"
"Hide. Quickly."
Avoiding Information Dumps
While dialogue can be a great way to convey information, it’s important to avoid using it as an info dump. Conversations should sound natural, not like a lecture.
- Spread information throughout the story: Don’t try to cram everything into one conversation.
- Show, don’t tell: Let characters reveal information through actions and dialogue over time.
Here’s an exaggerated example of an info dump:
"As you know, Bob, we’ve been working on this project for ten years, ever since the company decided to expand into international markets, following the decline in domestic sales."
Instead, try weaving information naturally:
"Bob, can you believe it’s been ten years since we started this project? The international markets have been a wild ride after domestic sales tanked."
Editing Your Dialogue
Once you’ve written your dialogue, it’s time to polish it. Editing is crucial for ensuring your dialogue sounds natural and serves the story.
- Read it out loud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing.
- Cut unnecessary words: Dialogue should be concise. If a line doesn’t add to the story, consider cutting it.
- Check for consistency: Make sure each character’s voice is consistent throughout the story.
Here's an example of refining dialogue:
First draft: "I am just saying that maybe, perhaps, you should consider, possibly, going to see your mother."
Revised: "Maybe you should visit your mom."
Dialogue in Different Genres
Different genres might require different approaches to dialogue. Understanding the conventions of your genre can help you create more effective dialogue.
- In thrillers, dialogue might be quick and sharp, building tension.
- In romances, dialogue might focus more on emotions and relationships.
- In sci-fi or fantasy, dialogue might include invented terms or languages, but should still be accessible.
For instance, in a fantasy setting:
"The Elders of Zenthia will not approve of this," he said, his voice a low growl.
"They don’t have to," she replied, fire in her eyes. "I’m not asking for their permission."
Using Spell to Enhance Your Dialogue
Writing dialogue can be challenging, but tools like Spell can help you draft, edit, and refine your work. With AI-powered assistance, you can generate ideas, check for consistency, and ensure your dialogue sounds natural and engaging. Whether you're writing a novel or a short story, Spell can help you bring your characters' voices to life.
Final Thoughts
Crafting authentic and engaging dialogue requires understanding your characters, balancing subtext and narrative, and refining your writing. With practice and the right tools, like Spell's AI editor, you can create dialogue that captivates and resonates with your readers. Happy writing!
