The Complete Guide to Writing Dialogue in Fiction: how to write great dialogue in a story

Dialogue is one of the most important elements of fiction writing. The dialogue between characters drives the story forward, reveals information about the characters, and immerses the reader into the story. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know on How to write story dialogue and about writing compelling dialogue in your fiction. This will ensure that your dialogues will be fresh, engaging and able to hook readers into your story.

Contents: How to write story dialogue

How to write story dialogue

Why Dialogue is Important in Fiction

Dialogue serves many crucial functions in fiction:

• It brings characters to life and gives them unique voices and personality quirks. Without dialogue, characters can seem flat and one-dimensional.
• It moves the plot forward by communicating key events and turning points. Dialogue scenes are opportunities for tension, conflict, revelations, decisions, and more.
• It reveals inner thoughts and feelings of characters that are not easily conveyed through description or exposition. Good dialogue tells us what the character is thinking in their own words.
• It builds characterization and relationships between characters. Through dialogue we come to understand the dynamics between characters and how they feel about each other.
• It adds realism and immediacy to the scene. In real life we interact through conversation, so dialogue makes fiction feel more authentic and engaging.
• It gives the reader a break from dense exposition and description. Dialogue helps vary the pace and keeps the reader’s attention.

The bottom line is that effective dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a writer has. When written well, dialogue brings all the other elements of your story to life. Let’s look at some key tips for writing incredible dialogue.

Formatting Dialogue Correctly

The first step to good dialogue is using proper formatting. Here are the main rules:

• Each new line of dialogue starts on a new line, even if it’s from the same speaker. This helps make the conversation clear and organized.
• Dialogue is enclosed in quotation marks. Use double quotation marks for most fiction (“I’ll have the chicken salad,” she said). Use single quotation marks for quotes within quotes (‘She said, “I don’t want to go.”‘).
• Dialogue tags (he said/she asked etc.) go after the dialogue, on the same line and enclosed in commas. This follows the pattern: “Dialogue here,” character said.
• When dialogue ends with a question mark or exclamation point, the tag goes outside the quotation mark (“What are you doing here?” she asked.)
• For interrupted dialogue, use an em-dash within the quotation marks. (“I just wanted to say—” She stopped abruptly.)
• Paragraph breaks are used when switching between speakers. This helps the conversation flow clearly.

Here is an example of dialogue formatted correctly:

“I can’t believe you ate the last cookie,” Kate said, glaring at her brother.

“But I was hungry!” Josh exclaimed.

Kate just rolled her eyes. “You’re always hungry.”

Proper formatting might seem tedious, but it’s important for readability. Follow these rules from the start to make your dialogue polished and professional.

How to write story dialogue that Sounds Real

Believable dialogue reflects how real people speak. Here are some tips for making your dialogue authentic:

Avoid perfection

In real life, people hesitate, stutter, mess up, and revise their words. Don’t make your dialogue too proper. Allow for imperfections to mimic authentic speech.

Use natural language

Write dialogue the way your characters would actually talk, including slang, regional dialects, profanity, shorthand, etc. This gives each character a unique voice.

Pay attention to pacing

Take punctuation cues from natural speech patterns. Use dashes, ellipses, fragments, interruptions, and pauses to vary speed and rhythm.

Include filler words

Filler words like “um”, “uh”, “like”, “you know”, etc. add realism. Use judiciously and choose words fitting for each character.

Rethink spellings

Consider non-standard spellings that reflect pronunciation to capture accents and informal speech. For example: gonna, wanna, gotta.

Avoid over-explanation

In real life people don’t explain every single detail and emotion. Allow some mystery. Trust readers to infer meaning from context.

With practice, you’ll develop an ear for natural dialogue. Listen to real people talking to pick up on speech patterns you can incorporate.

Using Dialogue Tags Effectively

Dialogue tags (he said/she asked etc.) are used to indicate the speaker. Follow these guidelines for tags:

• Use variety. Avoid “said” as the only tag. Try “whispered”, “yelled”, “muttered”, etc.
• Use action tags sometimes. For example: “We should turn back,” she sighed.
• Avoid fancy adverbs that tell rather than show. For example: “Get out!” he shouted angrily. Just use “shouted”.
• Place name tags strategically for clarity, usually on the first instance of dialogue. Example: Kate said, “We’re going to be late”.
• Use tags only when necessary. In long back-and-forth dialogue between two people, tags can be omitted.
• Be consistent with tense. Use past tense tags for past tense narration: “I won’t do it,” he said. Present tense for present narration: “I hate this,” she says.

The right balance is using enough tags for clarity but not so many that they bog down dialogue or sound repetitive. Mastering tags takes practice but is key for polished dialogue.

Writing Dialogue That Propels the Story

Dialogue should reveal story details and move the plot forward. Here are some ways to use dialogue effectively:

Make it purposeful

Every dialogue exchange should accomplish something: reveal new information, show character motivations, set up later action, increase tension, etc. Avoid meaningless chitchat.

Ask questions

Having one character ask questions prompts the other to reveal information that drives the story forward. This technique provides needed context to the reader.

Argue and interrupt

Disagreements between characters creates tension and conflict. Interruptions also mimic real conversations. This engages the reader in what’s happening.

Use subtext

Characters don’t always directly say what they mean. Have them circle around uncomfortable truths through vague dialogue that hints at hidden feelings.

Share backstory strategically

Dialogue can reveal critical backstory through quick anecdotes and reminiscing. But don’t overdo it. Sprinkle it in only when relevant.

Discuss the setting

Characters commenting on the weather, location, surroundings, etc. can efficiently establish the scene. This grounds the reader.

Foreshadow future events

Subtle hints about what’s to come builds suspense. Have characters reference upcoming events through ominous dialogue that readers will recall later.

Set the scene

Opening with character dialogue throws the reader into the middle of a situation to capture attention. Then you can fill in details as you go.

End chapters with cliffhangers

Chapter breaks are great places for cliffhanger dialogue that teases what’s coming next. Readers will turn the page to find out more.

Purposeful dialogue moves the story along and holds the reader’s interest. Every exchange should accomplish something.

Writing Dialogue That Reveals Characters

Dialogue offers opportunities to reveal critical details about characters. Here are some ways to use dialogue for characterization:

• Give each character a unique voice based on age, gender, cultural background, education level, personality etc. Listen to how real people speak.
• Show quirks through word choice and phrases characters use regularly. Does the character use a lot of jargon or profanity? Folksy metaphors?
• Build relationships and power dynamics through how characters address each other and the respect or antagonism in their exchanges.
• Show inner thoughts and feelings through emotional responses and subtext underlying the words. What does the character really mean?
• Use dialogue to reveal backstory details that shaped the character’s personality and worldview.
• Have the character state strong opinions that indicate values, passions, and pet peeves. This shows what makes them tick.
• Share memories and anecdotes that reflect what’s important to the character. This adds backstory in a natural way.
• Use body language during dialogue to convey hidden emotions the character doesn’t state out loud.
• Show confidence level through assertive vs. hesitant word choices and sentences. Self-assured characters speak differently than insecure ones.

These techniques will help you use dialogue to develop nuanced, interesting characters that come alive on the page.

Writing Dialogue That Fits Your Genre

While good dialogue has universal qualities, some genres also have their own conventions. Here are tips for mastering dialogue by genre:

• Mystery: Use dialogue to drop clues and tease reveals without giving away the answer. Build intrigue through cryptic exchanges.
• Thriller: Keep dialogue short, tense, and urgent to increase pacing. Avoid relaxation or filler dialogue. Every exchange should increase suspense.
• Romance: Focus dialogue on deepening emotional connections between characters and building tension between loves interests. Long heart-to-hearts.
• Literary Fiction: Dialogue can meander, contradict, and feel aimless to reflect real conversation. Allows for beautiful prose and philosophical asides.
• Historical Fiction: Research slang, idioms, and speech patterns from the time period. Avoid modern phrases and speech. Immerse the reader in the era.
• Sci-fi/Fantasy: Invent creative slang, greetings, and linguistic conventions for fictional worlds and cultures. Show how language has evolved.
• Humor: Use witty banter, inside jokes, pop culture references, sarcasm, and funny misunderstandings to amuse the reader.
• Horror: Build a sense of dread. Even everyday dialogue can feel ominous. Avoid humor and keep exchanges tense.

The genres you write in will influence your dialogue style, but always aim for authenticity within the fictional world.

Avoiding Stilted or Unnatural Dialogue

Even experienced writers sometimes produce dialogue that sounds stiff, false, or on-the-nose. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Characters are too articulate and use overly formal language, especially when upset or in casual situations. Real people don’t talk like university professors.
• All characters sound the same with no unique voice. Vary sentence structure, language level, and vocabulary for each one.
• Accents and dialects are indicated with inconsistent or offensive phonetic spellings. Do your research.
• People explain their feelings and thoughts directly rather than conveying them through subtext. Real dialogue rarely states things so plainly.
• The dialogue is wordy, going on and on. Real conversations have more interruptions, conciseness, and segments that trail off.
• The focus stays too long on small talk that does not advance the story or reveal anything new about the characters.
• The dialogue is too neat and orderly with no interruptions, stutters, fillers etc. Real conversations tend to be messy.
• Dialogue conveys information the characters should already know just to tell the reader. Find other ways to convey this organically.

With practice, your dialogue will become more effortless, natural, and realistic. Keep these common pitfalls in mind.

Using Dialogue Excerpts From Your Novel

Here are some examples of effective dialogue from published novels:

Showing Character Voice and Personality:

“If you don’t quit banging on that guitar and singing like that you’ll get pneumonia,” I said. “I ain’t kidding.”

Shug shook her head. Harpo wasn’t paying me no mind. I walked over and lifted the guitar out of his hands. “You keep on you’ll be sick in the bed.”

Harpo sat straight up then. “Gimme back my guitar!”

—The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Revealing Relationship Dynamics:

“There are things I could tell you,” she said presently, her voice very slow. “There are things…I feel at times—her face turned blindly to the window, and her words trailed off into a sigh. She started again.

“Things happen in a marriage,” she murmured. “It’s impossible—I didn’t understand this at first—but no one can avoid disturbing a relationship once it germinates.”

—Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

Advancing the Plot:

“There is a plot, Harry Potter. A plot to make most terrible things happen at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year.”

“What terrible things?” said Harry at once. “Who’s plotting them?”

…

“Can’t you be a bit more specific?” Harry asked him.

“I have given you my warning, Harry,” said Dobby.

— Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Adding Humor:

“Good Lord, what’s next? Maternity clothes with ‘Peanut On Board’ on the front?”

“More like ‘Hot Stuff On Board.'” Jules made an ooohh face. “Although some of the ones I’ve seen make it ‘Pillsbury Doughboy on Board.'”

“Oh man, I was in the elevator yesterday and this woman came in with sweatpants that said ‘Juicy’ across her butt.” Abbey snorted.

—Big Girls Do It series by Jasinda Wilder

Use examples like these to inspire excellent dialogue exchanges in your own writing.

Top Tips to Remember on How to write story dialogue

Writing authentic, compelling dialogue takes practice, but follow these guidelines to elevate your fiction:

• Format dialogue correctly with punctuation inside quotes, new speaker new line, and dialogue tags.
• Make dialogue sound real using natural speech patterns, contractions, interruptions, slang, and imperfections.
• Balance dialogue tags between too many and too few. Vary beyond just “said” tags.
• Ensure dialogue reveals details that advance the plot and story events.
• Craft unique character voices and showcase personalities through word choice and quirks.
• Avoid on-the-nose dialogue where characters say exactly what they feel. Use subtext.
• Tailor dialogue styles to different genres with conventions like witty banter in humor or tension in thrillers.
• Read your dialogue aloud to catch unnatural cadence and improve flow.

Dialogue brings your fiction to life. With practice and a focus on realism, your characters’ conversations will leap off the page. Ready, set, talk!

Conclusion: How to write story dialogue

Writing compelling dialogue is a craft that takes time to master, but it’s a crucial skill for bringing fiction to life. Authentic, well-written dialogue serves many purposes from revealing character personalities to advancing the plot in subtle ways.

Follow the guidelines in this article to format your dialogue correctly with proper punctuation, speaker tags, and paragraph breaks. Pay close attention to the natural speech patterns and imperfections of real dialogue. Let your characters use slang, dialects, sentence fragments, filler words, and even misspellings that capture their unique voices.

Avoid the common pitfalls of stilted, unnatural exchanges by making sure each character has a distinct way of speaking. Don’t overwrite the dialogue with too many speaker tags or have your characters explain every thought and emotion directly. Allow for subtext and nuance.

Use dialogue exchanges to accomplish specific goals like raising story questions, hinting at what’s to come, lightening the mood with humor, or revealing backstory details at pivotal moments. Dialogue that doesn’t serve a purpose quickly grows tedious.

Most importantly, read your dialogue aloud. This lets you catch awkward phrasing and improve the natural flow. Pay attention to the cadence and pacing of real conversations.

With practice, you’ll find that dialogue gives your story and characters the breath of life. Your readers will be hooked by the immediate, intimate style of storytelling that dialogue provides.

What other dialogue tips do you find most helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments! For personalized feedback on your fiction writing, check out my novel critiquing services. I look forward to connecting!

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FAQ How to write story dialogue

Q: What is dialogue?

A: Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a story. It is a powerful tool that writers use to bring their characters to life and move the story forward.

Q: How important is dialogue in a story?

A: Dialogue is extremely important in a story as it helps to reveal the personality, motivations, and thoughts of the characters. It also adds realism and depth to the narrative.

Q: What are some tips for writing great dialogue?

A: Some tips for writing great dialogue include: listening to how people speak in real life, using dialogue to reveal information and advance the plot, adding tension and conflict, keeping it concise and natural-sounding, and using dialogue tags and punctuation effectively.

Q: How can I make my characters’ dialogue sound more authentic?

A: To make your characters’ dialogue sound more authentic, try to give each character their own unique voice and way of speaking. Pay attention to their background, personality, and motivations, and let that influence the words they use and how they express themselves.

Q: What is the proper way to punctuate dialogue?

A: In dialogue, each new speaker should be on a new line, and their spoken words should be enclosed in quotation marks. Punctuation should be placed inside the quotation marks, and dialogue tags should be used to indicate who is speaking.

Q: Can you provide some examples of dialogue?

A: Sure! Here are a few examples of dialogue:

Example 1:

“I can’t believe you did that,” she said.

“I had no choice,” he replied. “It was the only way.”

Example 2:

“What time is the meeting?” she asked.

“It starts at 3 PM,” he answered. “Don’t be late.”

Q: Are there different types of dialogue?

A: Yes, there are different types of dialogue. Some common types include direct dialogue (characters speaking to each other), indirect dialogue (summarizing what was said), inner dialogue (a character’s thoughts), and small talk (casual conversation).

Q: How do I format dialogue in my novel?

A: When formatting dialogue in your novel, start a new paragraph each time a new character speaks. Use quotation marks to enclose the spoken words, and make sure to include dialogue tags or actions to indicate who is speaking.

Q: How can dialogue scenes help move the story forward?

A: Dialogue scenes can help move the story forward by providing important information, revealing character traits or relationships, creating conflict or tension, and advancing the plot. They allow the characters to interact and drive the narrative.

Q: Are there any specific rules I should follow when writing dialogue?

A: Yes, there are some rules to keep in mind when writing dialogue. These include using proper punctuation, formatting the dialogue correctly, using dialogue tags effectively, and making sure the dialogue sounds natural and serves a purpose in the story.