How to properly punctuate the words your characters speak. Dialogue How to properly punctuate the words your characters speak.

Read the following dialogue exchange.

I walked into the room. Mary was there. She asked, “What are you doing I walked into the room. Mary was there. She asked, “What are you doing?” I said, “I just came in to see if you wanted to start dinner.” “I already ate before I came home.” I said, “Well, will you help me anyway?” “No.” I asked her, “Why not?” She screamed, “Because I already ate! What’s wrong with you?” “Nothing,” I said. “I’m going to leave.” “Fine,” she said, and went back to looking at the TV. I left the room.

Now read the same dialogue exchange and note the difference in the two.

I walked into the room. Mary was there. She asked, “What are you doing “I just came in to see if you wanted to start dinner.” “I already ate before I came home.” “Well, will you help me anyway?” “No.” I asked her, “Why not?” “Because I already ate!” she screamed. “What’s wrong with you?” “Nothing,” I said. “I’m going to leave.” “Fine,” she said, and went back to looking at the TV. I left the room.

Things to remember when writing dialogue Write it as realistically as possible. Make it clear who is speaking when. Do not give too much information or unrealistic information in dialogue. Keep the conversation moving. Make it as easy to read as possible.

Rules of punctuating dialogue Start a new paragraph when a new person speaks or a large passage of action interrupts the speaking. Use quotation marks to surround all spoken words on both sides. Use speaker tags to show who is talking Use the proper end marks. Endmarks always go inside the quotes.

Endmarks – possibly the most difficult part of dialogue. Use a comma if the dialogue is a statement and there is a speaker tag following. Example: “Welcome home,” she said, stepping forward to take his hand.

When a speaker tag interrupts the speech... Treat it as parenthetical information and use a comma on either side. “I can’t believe,” she said, “that you are finally here.”

Use a period... If no speaker tag follows the quotation: “Welcome home.” She stepped forward to take his hand. “Thank you.” He offered his own hand in return.

When a question mark or exclamation point is used... Follow with a lowercase letter if a speaker tag is being used. Use a capital if it goes right into action.

Example: “It has been so long!” she exclaimed. “Hasn’t it?” Her hand was warm in his own as he smiled down at her.

Read the following dialogue exchange.

“Stop. ” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection “Stop!” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection. At this one, the light had burned out and a tall oak stood off to one side. “Let me out here.” Are you crazy,” Joe asked. “It’s still at least another twenty miles to Mud Bucket! “Just let me out, Joe. I mean it.” Buddy had become desperate. He could think of nothing else he wanted more than to become a famous musician, and if it took selling his soul to the devil to do it, then he would. Joe pulled the truck over onto the gravel at the side of the road and rolled to a stop. “Are you sure about this? It’s freakin’ creepy out there, man.” “I have my phone. I’ll call if something happens.“Well,” Said Joe. “don’t think I’m coming back out here for your sorry butt,” Buddy got out, slammed the door shut, and Joe spun off onto the highway, his tires screeching on the blacktop.

Now read the following dialogue exchange with the correct punctuation and dialogue paragraphs.

“Stop. ” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection “Stop!” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection. At this one, the light had burned out and a tall oak stood off to one side. “Let me out here.” “Are you crazy?” Joe asked. “It’s still at least another twenty miles to Mud Bucket!” “Just let me out, Joe. I mean it.” Buddy had become desperate. He could think of nothing else he wanted more than to become a famous musician, and if it took selling his soul to the devil to do it, then he would. Joe pulled the truck over onto the gravel at the side of the road and rolled to a stop. “Are you sure about this? It’s freakin’ creepy out there, man.” “I have my phone. I’ll call if something happens.” “Well,” said Joe, “don’t think I’m coming back out here for your sorry butt.” Buddy got out, slammed the door shut, and Joe spun off onto the highway, his tires screeching on the blacktop.

Look at the following dialogue exchanges.

The teacher asked, Where have you been young man? “I used to live in Atlanta, whispered Haleigh. “When I was a young man,” Walter began. “Cellphones didn’t exist.” Michael shouted, “You will not die.” Tomorrow announced, “Mom is Open School Night.  How can I find your classroom.” It’s on the third floor I replied “Walk in the front door, turn left, and go three flights.” The room number is 307.” Will any of your work be on display? “Mom asked.” Yes “I said our writing folders will be on our desks.”  The story I wrote about our cat is my best piece of writing. Mom slowly inquired Is there anything I should know before I go. “Honestly,” I sighed, You don’t need to worry.”

Now look at the dialogue exchanges punctuated corrrectly.

The teacher asked, “Where have you been young man?” “I used to live in Atlanta,” whispered Haleigh. “When I was a young man,” Walter began, “cellphones didn’t exist.” Michael shouted, “You will not die!” “Tomorrow,” announced Mom, “is Open School Night.  How can I find your classroom?” “It’s on the third floor,” I replied. “Walk in the front door, turn left, and go three flights. The room number is 307.” “Will any of your work be on display?” Mom asked. “Yes,” I said, “our writing folders will be on our desks.  The story I wrote about our cat is my best piece of writing.” Mom slowly inquired, “Is there anything I should know before I go?” “Honestly,” I sighed, “you don’t need to worry.”