Nobody talks like that!
Let’s take a deep dive into the heart of storytelling – dialogue! It's the spice that adds flavor to our characters and keeps our audience hooked. But not all dialogue is created equal! Let's sharpen our scribbling skills and explore the four aspects that separate awesome dialogue from the not-so-awesome.
Exposition - The Necessary Evil
Your protagonist spills their life story to a complete stranger they met five minutes ago. That's what we call "exposition dialogue." It's like a roadmap for the audience, guiding them through the story. But here's the catch – it should feel smooth and natural, not like reading a textbook!
Characters revealing their inner thoughts just for the audience's benefit can zap the life out of a scene. So, let's sprinkle in that exposition like a dash of magic, blending it seamlessly into the narrative.
Dialogue That's Too Vague – Say What?
Now, here's a tricky one! We all love a little mystery, but when characters start speaking in riddles that even the Sphinx can't solve, it's time to hit the brakes! We want our audience to feel engaged, not baffled. Clear and coherent dialogue is the key to unlocking those emotional connections with our readers. So, let's give our characters a voice that's as clear as crystal, guiding our audience with ease.
Natural Flow – Let the Words Dance!
We want our characters to sound like real people, not wooden marionettes. Conversations should feel as familiar as an old friend's hug, drawing our readers into the heart of the story. Natural dialogue is like music to our ears, making us feel like we're part of the gang. So, let's let those words dance on the pages, creating a symphony of emotions!
Consistency in Character Behavior – Keeping It Real
Your hero is brave and fearless, slaying dragons left and right. But suddenly, they cower at the sight of a tiny spider. Say what now? Inconsistent behavior can throw our audience for a loop, leaving them scratching their heads. We want our characters to grow and evolve, but it should be a natural progression, not a rollercoaster of personality changes. So, let's give our characters jibber jabber with the consistency they deserve.
Remember, dialogue is the heartbeat of your narrative, breathing life into your characters and captivating your readers.
So, weave those tales with exposition that doesn't overwhelm, clarity that dispels confusion, a rhythmic flow that feels like a dance, and relatable characters whose behavior rings true and evolves consistently.
