Writing Great Dialogue

Writing Great Dialogue: Bringing Characters to Life

Dialogue forms the heart of a script. It’s how characters express themselves, reveal motivations, and connect with others. This can take the form of a monologue, a voice-over, or simply characters interacting. However, writing great dialogue goes beyond putting words on a page; it’s about making those words feel real and meaningful.

Dialogue isn’t easy to master, especially if you don’t know your characters well. Fortunately, through solid character creation, you’ve set the stage for dialogue that feels authentic. How characters talk depends on many factors: age, background, personality, education, status, and even location. The more time you spend developing these elements, the more easily you can “hear” their voices. This insight will guide you not only in writing great dialogue but also in deciding when a character would actually speak—or remain silent.

Writing Great Dialogue: Tips for Realism and Flow

Once you know your characters, it’s time to consider what makes dialogue effective. Here are some key tips for writing great dialogue.

Consider How People Talk in Real Life

Words on paper can feel different from words spoken aloud. In writing great dialogue, always keep in mind how the conversation would sound in a real situation. Does the dialogue feel authentic? Are the words too formal or elaborate? Try reading it out loud; if it sounds natural, you’re on the right track.

Real-life dialogue can be random and messy. People often skip words, take pauses, or stumble. Their speech varies by age, culture, and even personality quirks. By embracing these quirks, you create dialogue that feels true to life and relatable.

Be Mindful of Subtle Expressions

People rarely reveal their thoughts or emotions directly in conversation. Since you know your characters well, you might feel tempted to let them say exactly what they think or feel. But in real life, people often hold back or express themselves indirectly. Keep this in mind while writing great dialogue; consider how your character might hide or hint at their emotions instead.

Non-verbal communication also plays a vital role. Body language, gestures, and facial expressions are powerful tools for creating tension, showing mood, or hinting at hidden thoughts. Sometimes, what isn’t said is just as important as what is.

The Power of “Show, Don’t Tell”

You’ve likely heard this phrase before. Writing great dialogue means knowing when to let words carry the weight—and when to let visuals do the talking. In a visual medium like film or television, showing is often more powerful than explaining. For instance, if a character feels nervous, their body language might communicate it better than words ever could.

Avoid relying solely on dialogue to convey emotions, situations, or character motivations. Instead, think about what actions, visual cues, or scenes can reveal more effectively. This approach makes your storytelling more engaging and dynamic.

Motivation and Purpose: Why Your Characters Speak

Motivation is the driving force behind every line of dialogue. When writing great dialogue, think carefully about what each character wants in each conversation. What are they trying to achieve? How do they use words to get there?

Great dialogue avoids small talk and idle chatter. Every line should either push the story forward or reveal something essential about the character. If it doesn’t, consider cutting it. This focus keeps your script lean and purposeful, ensuring the audience stays connected to the unfolding story.

Balancing Dialogue and Description

Scripts are a blend of dialogue and description, ideally balanced to create a seamless flow. As a general rule, aim for a 50-50 ratio between dialogue and description. Of course, if you’re experienced, feel free to adjust this balance—but only if it serves the story well.

In screenwriting, descriptions are vital. They fill in the gaps, setting the stage for dialogue to shine. Descriptions cover what happens visually, from environments to character actions. However, descriptions should never explain internal thoughts or feelings (unless through voice-over). Instead, stick to what can be shown. This clarity provides the production team with concrete details for visualizing the story.

Writing Descriptions That Support Dialogue

Descriptions in a script offer context, helping the audience understand where a scene takes place or what’s happening visually. However, effective descriptions in writing great dialogue go beyond setting. Descriptions should subtly support the dialogue, enriching the mood and aiding the actors in portraying their roles.

For example, instead of writing that a character “feels nervous,” you might describe them tapping their fingers, glancing around, or avoiding eye contact. These visual clues enhance the dialogue without overloading the script with unnecessary details.

Crafting Dialogue Scenes: The Core of Writing Great Dialogue

Each scene in a script is a self-contained unit, complete with setting, characters, actions, and dialogue. In writing great dialogue, a scene becomes much more than just conversation; it’s a mini-drama where characters pursue goals, confront obstacles, and make choices.

A good dialogue scene always has a setup for conflict. For instance, imagine two characters debating a plan. Each has their own idea of how it should unfold, leading to tension. Just as they reach an impasse, a new character enters, adding a twist. This conflict gives the scene momentum and keeps the audience engaged.

Arriving Late and Leaving Early: A Pro Tip for Tight Dialogue

In writing great dialogue, it’s often more effective to “arrive late and leave early” in a scene. This technique means jumping into a conversation at the most heated moment and exiting before everything is fully resolved.

For example, skip past the mundane parts of the scene, like characters entering a room or making small talk. Begin at the high-stakes point of the conversation. Likewise, leave the scene before wrapping up every detail. This approach gives your script a fast-paced, energetic feel, cutting out the fluff and focusing on the action.

Creating Great Dialogue Sequences

In longer scripts, sequences are vital for building momentum. Sequences are made up of multiple scenes, often tied together by a common theme or goal. Each sequence functions like a mini-story, with a beginning, middle, and end, adding layers to your plot.

For instance, a full-length screenplay might include eight sequences, each around 10-20 pages. In writing great dialogue, each sequence should escalate the stakes, driving the story forward. Each scene within a sequence should feel purposeful, connected, and dynamic, keeping the audience invested.

Making Sequences Cohesive

While individual scenes are essential, the real art of writing great dialogue is in connecting these moments. Make sure sequences flow naturally, with each scene building on the last. Avoid scenes that feel isolated. Instead, ensure that each sequence leads into the next, carrying the story toward its conclusion.

Wrapping Up: The Art of Writing Great Dialogue

Writing great dialogue is an art form that involves balancing character voice, purpose, and authenticity. By focusing on motivation, using subtle expressions, and knowing when to “show, don’t tell,” you’ll create dialogue that resonates. Remember, dialogue is just one part of the script, so balance it with descriptions that set the stage for each moment.

With these techniques, you’ll transform your dialogue from mere words on a page to conversations that bring characters to life. Embrace these tips, and let your story unfold with dialogue that’s as engaging as it is genuine.

If you enjoyed this guide, make sure to check out other posts in our blog!