Writing dialogue that feels natural yet purposeful is one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of storytelling. Great dialogue doesn’t simply convey information; it reveals character, builds tension, and drives the story forward. Here are some essential tips to craft dialogue that pulls readers in and makes characters feel real.
Learning from example is a great start, especially if you’re trying to encapsulate a similar atmosphere or feel for your own works. However, do be cautious not to copy too closely, else your work will suffer and your own confidence in writing will diminish in turn. It’s important to find your own style and experiment until you find something that feels right - but also, mix it up on occasion to keep from getting stale!
1. Make Dialogue Serve a Purpose
Dialogue should always have a reason for existing. Whether moving the plot forward, building relationships, or revealing a character’s internal struggle, make sure each line contributes to the scene. Avoid “small talk” unless it serves a larger purpose. If a character is nervous or hiding something, for instance, their small talk might act as a cover, which adds a layer of meaning.
2. Show, Don’t Tell Through Subtext
In real life, people often don’t say exactly what they mean. Use this to your advantage in writing dialogue by incorporating subtext — the underlying meaning beneath the words. This is where the tension and intrigue often lie. For example, instead of a character saying “I’m scared of you,” they might say, “Do you always stand this close when you talk to people?” This adds depth and can create a more dynamic exchange that keeps readers guessing.
3. Distinguish Character Voices
Each character should have a unique voice that reflects their personality, background, and motivations. Pay attention to word choice, sentence structure, and rhythm. A formal, educated character might speak in full sentences with a large vocabulary, while a laid-back, younger character might use contractions and slang. This helps readers identify who’s speaking without excessive dialogue tags.
4. Keep It Brief and Punchy
Real conversations have a lot of filler, but written dialogue should be tighter and more impactful. Get to the point and cut out anything that doesn’t add value. Short, snappy exchanges often feel more dynamic and can enhance pacing. When you need a longer stretch of dialogue, consider breaking it up with action beats or inner thoughts to maintain flow and engagement.
5. Use Action Beats to Enhance Meaning
Adding brief actions (like gestures or expressions) within dialogue can give readers clues about how a character is feeling without explicitly stating it. For instance, if a character is fidgeting with their shirt while speaking, it might imply nervousness or hesitation. This can help create a richer experience by layering physical cues with spoken words.
6. Read It Aloud
One of the best ways to test your dialogue is to read it out loud. This helps catch any unnatural phrasing or areas where characters may sound too similar. If a line feels clunky or out of character, rework it until it flows. Dialogue should feel authentic to how people actually speak but also be polished enough to fit the tone and pacing of your story.
Compelling dialogue combines authenticity with purpose, giving characters dimension and keeping readers engaged. Remember, the most powerful exchanges often lie not in what’s said, but in what’s left unsaid.