Dialogue is the lifeblood of fiction, injecting vitality, depth, and personality into characters and stories. It’s a versatile tool that can serve various purposes, from advancing the plot to revealing character traits and emotions. Dialogue can serve several different functions.
- Expository Dialogue: This type of dialogue serves to convey information to the reader in a natural way. Characters may discuss backstory, settings, or other essential details that help to build the world of the story without it feeling forced or unnatural. However, the emphasis should be on natural. The two most common errors that can make it sound unnatural are
- Using Maid and Butler style dialogue where two characters, both of whom know the information, speak to each other on a topic as a way to inform the reader, whereas in real life they would never have this conversation. “As you know….” or similar are a give-away phrases for this error.
- One character doesn’t know the information but asks the exact right question, and a series of them, such that the other character is essentially giving a lecture punctuated by prompts. Dan Brown is one of the few writers who seems able to get away with this (many of his stories are two experts on different topics who go back and forth explaining things to each other).
- Character-Revealing Dialogue: Through the way characters speak and interact with one another, readers gain insights into their personalities, motivations, and relationships. It also reveals education, intellect, nationality, ethnicity, etc. Dialogue can reveal quirks, values, and conflicts, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the characters.
- Conflict : In fiction, conflict is essential for driving the plot forward and keeping readers engaged. Dialogue can be used to create and escalate tension between characters, whether it’s through arguments, disagreements, or power struggles.
- Subtextual Dialogue: Sometimes what characters don’t say is just as important as what they do say. Subtextual dialogue involves layers of meaning beneath the surface, allowing readers to infer emotions, intentions, and hidden agendas.
- Internal Dialogue: Not all dialogue occurs between characters; internal dialogue involves a character’s thoughts, reflections, and self-talk. It provides insights into a character’s inner world, fears, doubts, and desires.
- Symbolic Communication: Dialogue can also be symbolic, representing larger themes or ideas within the story. Metaphorical language, allegories, and symbolism add depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to explore deeper meanings.
Incorporating these different types of dialogue or communication can enrich the storytelling experience, creating dynamic interactions between characters and enhancing the overall impact of the narrative. What are your favorite tricks with dialogue? If you have any thoughts, ideas or suggestions please post them in the comment box below!
Gideon P. Smith 