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

2. 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.

3. 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 (argued, pleaded, asked etc.) to show who is talking
Use the proper end marks.
Endmarks always go inside the quotes.

4. 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.

5. 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.”

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. Complete the practice worksheet.
Now you try!
Complete the practice worksheet.

10. Review and Practice Answers
1. Peggy said, “I have two cats. Do you have any pets?”
2. “I have two dogs, three fish and seven snails,” said Joe.
3. “I have two cats,” said Peggy. “Do you have any pets?”
4. “I’m not sure,” said Sue, “if I know how to do this test.”
5. “He shook the tree so hard,” said Joan, “that the
apples fell to the ground. ”
6. “I’ve never been to California,” remarked Jane.
“Maybe my family will go this summer.”

11. More practice.
Using a character from your literature circle novel, write about an encounter your character has with a long lost friend or an enemy. Post this assignment on your weebly blog.