Tips for Improving Character Dialogue
Ways to Make Dialogue Come Alive
What would a novel be without dialogue? Pretty dull business. Dialogue is an essential part of every story. It serves to move the plot forward and to enhance characterization. Dialogue not only livens up a scene, but the way they talk can reveal many things about your character. Dialogue should always sound natural, not forced.
He Said, She Said
Sometimes the simple word "said" is the best choice for denoting a change in speaker because it is unobtrusive. Still, too many "saids" in a row can become tedious. Many “he said, she saids” can be omitted, and should be any time they are unnecessary.
“You’re late,” she said.
“I have good reason,” he said.
“Look at the time,” she said.
“The traffic was terrible. I almost got into a wreck trying to make our dinner date,” he said.
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” she said.
Most of the “he said, she saids” in the above passage can be omitted with careful wording. This can be accomplished by adding descriptive phrases that implies who is speaking . This passage can be reduced to one “he said.”
“You’re late. The blonde paced back and forth as a man entered the restaurant.
“I have good reason,” he said.
“Look at the time.” She tapped her watch for emphasis.
“The traffic was terrible. He sank wearily into a chair. “I almost got into a wreck trying to make our dinner date.”
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
Avoiding Excessive Adverbs and Adjective
Excessive use of adverbs and adjectives can actually get in the way of dialogue. It is better to use them sparingly and let the character’s words and emotions speak for themselves through action. See how overburdened the following passage seems:
“You’re late,” the grumpy woman whined (adjective)
“I have a good reason,” he retorted defensively. (adverb)
“Look at the time!” his angry girlfriend shrieked. (adjective)
“I'm late because of the slow-moving, terrible traffic,” he exclaimed. “I almost got into a wreck trying to make our dinner date,” he cried self-pityingly. (adjectives and adverb)
“I’m so sorry,” she cooed sympathetically. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” she added contritely. (adverbs)
The above passage sounds sounds better without any of these adjectives or adverbs. Too many descriptive phrases just get in the way. Whenever possible, show emotion with a gesture or action rather than a tagged-on explanation of how the character is reacting. Here is the same passage without all the added on extras.
“You’re late,” she whined.
“I have a good reason.”
“Look at the time!” she shrieked.
“The traffic was terrible. I almost got into a wreck trying to make our dinner date.”
“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”
Regional Dialect
How do you handle a character or a book full of characters who speak in dialect or with an accent?
Books set in the West and in the Deep South are examples of novels in which the characters probably speak with a heavy accent. Again, use accent sparingly. Sometimes it is better to have a minor character have a heavy accent to add flavor than a major character. Too many strange words and contractions can bog the story down and distract the reader.
Tips:
- Try to get rid of “he said, she said whenever possible
- Avoid using excessive adjectives and adverbs
- Use accents sparingly
For more writing tips click:
Creating Good Dialogue
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