How to Make Dialogue Come to Life

Nov 5, 2024

Discover how to breathe life into dialogue with tips from writing experts. Learn the difference between natural and realistic speech, and why clarity matters. Explore how subtext and character intent can convey deep emotions without heavy exposition. Get insights on creating distinct voices for characters, even in similar roles. Plus, the power of reading dialogue aloud is highlighted as a key tool for authenticity. Unpack the art of dialogue and keep your readers engaged!

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INSIGHT

Natural, Not Verbatim Speech

Dialogue should sound natural but not reproduce verbatim speech with filler and false starts.
Every line must have purpose, so cut fillers and get to the meat of what characters want.

ADVICE

Write Dialogue With A Speaker’s Agenda

Give each speaker an agenda and write dialogue to achieve that intent without being on-the-nose.
Use subtext and short lines to let readers infer meaning from pauses and glances.

ANECDOTE

Hemingway Example Of Subtext

Tara points to Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants' as a masterclass in subtext where abortion is never named.
The story shows how sideways conversation and omission can reveal deep conflict without explicit terms.

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