8 Simple Rules for Writing Dialogue

Rule 1  Use a comma between the dialogue and the tag line (the words used to identify the speaker: "he said/she said"):  Example if the tag line comes last: "I would like to go to the beach this weekend," she told him as they left the apartment.  Example if the tag line comes first: He said sullenly, “I can’t go to the beach this weekend. I have to work a double shift at the hospital.”

Rule 2  When a tag line interrupts a sentence, it should be set off by commas. Note that the first letter of the second half of the sentence is in lower case UNLESS a new sentence begins.  Example: “We’re in trouble," Wesley said, “and neither of us can have supper tonight.”  Example: “I like your new car,” Tom said. “It’s really cool.”

Rule 3  Periods and commas go inside the quotation marks; other punctuation -- semicolons, question marks etc. go outside unless it directly pertains to the material within the quotes.  Example: "I don't want any stupid cake. Where's the champagne?" he asked.  Example: Did he say, "We should all go to the movies."?

Rule 4  To signal a quotation within a quotation, use single quotes:  Example: “I heard him say, ‘My favorite book is The Life of Pi.’”  Additional Tip: Single quotations can also be used in dialogue to indicate sarcasm.  She emphatically complained, “My parents say I’m ‘too young’ for a cellphone.”

Rule 5  Paragraphs are very important to the flow and comprehension of the dialogue. Remember to start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes within the dialogue. This helps the reader know when someone new is speaking (and who it is).

Rule 6  If there is action involved with a speaking character, keep the description of the action within the same paragraph as the dialogue of the character engaged in it.  Example: "Is your little boy still having those bad dreams?" Miss Bailey asks, looking up from her clipboard. Jeannette nods and looks at Rodney, who has his finger in his mouth and won't speak. "Has the cat got your tongue?" Miss Bailey asks.

Rule 7  If a quotation spills out over more than one paragraph, don't use end quotes at the close of the first paragraph. Use them only when a character is done speaking.

Rule 8  Do NOT use quotation marks when writing a character’s thoughts.  A character’s thoughts that are not said aloud should be written in italics.  Example: "Hi Tony.“ Tony looked down at his shoe, dug in his toe, and pushed around a pile of dust. "Hey," he replied. Katy braced herself. Something is wrong, she thought.

Rule 8 cont.  When indicating what a sign, billboard, letter, or flyer says, use Italics.  If the character is reading the sign in their head use italics.  If the character is reading the sign billboard etc. aloud, it should be written in “quotations”.  Italics can be used within dialogue to create emphasis.  Example:  “I don’t care what he thinks of me. My friends like me for who I am.”