Effective dialogue is essential for character development and plot progression. It’s a tool that can reveal a character’s personality, background, and motivations without needing lengthy exposition. To write authentic dialogue, listen to how people speak in real life, noting their speech patterns, slang, and idiosyncrasies. Remember that people often speak in fragments and interruptions rather than complete sentences. Use dialogue to show relationships and power dynamics between characters. A conversation can convey tension, affection, or rivalry through tone and word choice. Moreover, good dialogue should serve multiple purposes, advancing the plot or revealing critical information while staying true to the character’s voice. Balancing these elements can make your characters more believable and your story more engaging.
