Activity

When we write our novels, I think we spend a lot of time thinking about the actions scenes, the plot, the character development, and the setting descriptions, but one thing that we overlook, is how important the dialogue is.

 

The conversations that our characters have, are just as important as everything else. To use K.M. Weiland’s words, all dialogue should stick with these five points.

1. Advances the plot.
2. Accurately represents characters.
3. Mimics realism.
4. Entertains.
5. Offers subtext.

 

We all know that everything in your novel should advance the plot. Obviously, dialogue should be true to the character, and be fairly realistic to conversations we hear in real life. It should hook the readers with the character’s personality and humour (not every single conversation, granted).

But how often do you think about the subtext of the dialogue as you write?

I know that I practically never do.

 

Dialogue is a hidden mine and can be used for so much if we only think to utilize it. There’s a few ways we can make our characters’ conversations way more interesting and engaging for the readers… (I, unfortunately, only thought of two main ways, so that’s all you get today. xD)

 

1: Don’t say what they mean

While you shouldn’t drag your dialogue out too long, it’s always good to have a bit of dodging around the subject—because that’s realistic. In real conversations, people don’t just say things outright. They dance around it, implying things, using body language to suggest their meanings. People even say the exact opposite from what they mean.

 

Take this scene from Captain America: The First Avenger as an example. Steve and his friend Bucky are standing together, when Peggy Carter comes up to them both, and this exchange happens:

Peggy: [to Steve] I see your top squad is prepping for duty.
Bucky: You don’t like music?
Peggy: I do, actually. I might even, when this is all over, go dancing.
Bucky: Then what are we waiting for?
Peggy: [still looking at Steve] The right partner.

Steve doesn’t even say anything in this exchange, but the overall meaning of the scene is very clear. Peggy is implying that she’s waiting for Steve to ask her to dance.

If Steve just came out and said “Hey, let’s get together and go on a dance-date after the war.” Or if Peggy had outright said “I’m waiting for Steve to ask me out” the scene wouldn’t have been anywhere near as interesting or memorable. It would’ve been flat, and dull. As it is, we see something deeper about their relationship with the use of subtext and implications.

 

2: Don’t say what’s expected

When a character answers a straightforward question in an unexpected way, it’s a great chance to show something deeper. Maybe they misheard because they’re so preoccupied with something else. Maybe they’re lying to cover up. Maybe they’re making a massive understatement or using irony. Maybe they just dodge the question because they don’t want to answer.

These non-straightforward answers can show the reader so many things about the character. It could drop a hint at something—foreshadowing a future plot development. It could reveal that not all is as it seems. It could show the reader a deeper glimpse into the character’s personality. It could also just add a touch of humour in a dark patch. 😛

 

 

The activity: One of your characters wants something from the other character (a favour/gift/information) but won’t ask outright. The other character doesn’t want to give the information/etc. Write the conversation exchange. Have them say what they mean…without saying it. (Saying the exact opposite, implying it through body language, etc.)

 

@inspirewrite
@valtmy
@esther-sears
@parker
@caleb-e-king
@h-jones
@selah-chelyah
@writerpiper
@jessi-rae
@theswordinthebook
@thewirelessblade
@fctait
@faith_blum
@professorsjb
@spottedlivvie
@katthewriter
@lightning-spider
@skye
@_simplybee
@mairin-atha
@a_small_mousepad