1. Dialogue

2. What is Dialogue? Dialogue is a conversation between characters in a literary work. It shows the exact words spoken by characters. It is important because it helps bring characters to life. It helps readers understand what the characters are thinking and feeling. It also moves the plot forward.

3. How to Write Dialogue Properly! Start a new paragraph when moving from one speaker to another! Capitalize the first letter of the first word within the quotation marks! Be sure that it is clear who is speaking at all times! Use speaker tags (descriptive words) to tell how a character says something! –This will help the reader “hear” (understand the emotions behind) what the character is saying.

4. How to Write Dialogue Properly! Example: Jake and Josh sat at the library table looking over the rubric for their English project. “Alright, so we know we are going to do the report on Mark Twain, but what about the technology part?” Jake asked. “I don’t know.” Replied Josh as he turned the rubric over searching for the technology section. “Oh! It says here that we can get technology credit if we e-mail the report to the teacher. We can do that!” “Ok! Cool! Wait!” Jake groaned and hit himself in the forehead. “How will we remember to send the e-mail?” Grabbing a piece of paper and a pencil, Josh replied, “I’ll write a note to remind us. Don’t worry! We’ll get an A for sure!” Indent! Speaker Tags! Start a new paragraph!

5. Now You Try! Assignment: Write a conversation between your two characters about something. –Be sure to use proper formatting!!! –Proper spelling and capitalization!!! –The conversation should make sense based on the main conflict/issue your two characters have with one another. –Don’t forget to include speaker tags!!!

6. Music Heals “You were wonderful sweetheart!” Melinda rushed to her father, and flung herself into his arms. Her face was flushed from the excitement of her success. “Oh dad! I can’t believe I did it! I was so scared! But, then I started playing and it was like Mom was…” She pulled back to look up at her father, tears filling her eyes. “Your mother would be so proud, darling.” “I know.” Melinda brushed a tear away as she stepped back finally noticing the woman standing at her father’s side. Katie smiled broadly as Melinda’s gaze switched from her father to her, “You were wonderful, Melinda! Congratulations!” Giving her father a questioning look she gave the woman a reserved smile, “Thank you, Ms…?” “Melinda, this is Katie Humble. I am glad that you two finally get to meet.” James said as he took Katie’s hand.