1. Writing Dialogue
What you need to Know

2. What is dialogue? Dialogue: the Words that are said by characters
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Jamie mumbled.

3. Natural Dialogue
Wouldn’t have to say “Dad.” Both characters know who they’re talking to.
You don’t just want to just copy everyday conversations, but you do want your dialogue to sound natural; like something that a person would actually say.
This is a more realistic response from a teenager.
Interesting dialogue tag.
DON’T write:
“Okay, Dad, I guess I will do my homework instead of being grounded,” I said.
Do write:
“I was going to do it right after I finish this level,” I replied, rolling my eyes, but trying to avoid being grounded again.
The character’s action is included.
Wouldn’t mention being grounded.
This sounds very stiff and made-up.
The reasoning isn’t stated out loud.

4. Dialogue Format
The character’s actual words should be in quotation marks
“Not Now,” I whispered.
Use dialogue tags with the character’s name or a pronoun and a speech verb
“Of course,” Mary said.
She whined, “Do I have to?”
“GO Cherokees,” They shouted.
Langston laughed, “I never said that.”
Separate the dialogue tag from the actual speech with a comma
“Yeah, that’s fine,” mom answered.
Mom answered, “Yeah, that’s fine.”

5. Dialogue Format
Start a new paragraph Each time the speaker changes. This helps readers know that someone new is speaking.
“Do I have to?” my little sister whined, her lower lip stuck out like a diving board.
“Yes, and do it now,” Mom demanded, her face totally calm and her hand on her hips.
“Right now?”
“Yes, right now.”
Notice that dialogue tags aren’t necessary if it’s clear who is talking. Leave them out if it would be repetitive.

6. Meaningful Dialogue VS.
Use dialogue to communicate important information, not just a normal conversation your characters had. That’s boring!
"Hi Tony," said Katy. "Hey," Tony answered. "What's wrong?" Katy asked. "Nothing," Tony said. "Really? You don't act like nothing's wrong."
"Hi Tony." Tony looked down at his shoe, dug in his toe, and pushed around a pile of dust.
"Hey," he replied. Katy could tell something was wrong.
VS.

7. Meaningful Dialogue Use dialogue to move the story forward.
“You need to leave now,” Shirley demanded.
Use dialogue to help us understand characters better.
“I’m not mad,” Lenny shouted back.