Dialogue, in
literature
Literature is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include ...
, is a verbal exchange between two or more
characters (but can also involve strategic use of silence). If there is only ''one'' character talking aloud, it is a
monologue.
Identifiers
''"This breakfast is making me sick," George said.''
The ''George said'' is the identifier. ''Said'' is the
verb
A verb () is a word ( part of speech) that in syntax generally conveys an action (''bring'', ''read'', ''walk'', ''run'', ''learn''), an occurrence (''happen'', ''become''), or a state of being (''be'', ''exist'', ''stand''). In the usual descr ...
most writers use because reader familiarity with ''said'' prevents it from drawing attention to itself. Although other verbs such as ''ask'', ''shout'', or ''reply'' are acceptable, some identifiers get in the reader's way. For example:
''"Hello," he croaked nervously, "my name's Horace."''
''"What's yours?" he asked with as much aplomb as he could muster.''
Another example is:
''"My name is Peg, what's yours?" I asked.''
''"My name is William, but my friends call me Will," said Will.''
Stephen King, in his book ''
On Writing'', expresses his belief that ''said'' is the best identifier to use. King recommends reading a novel by
Larry McMurtry
Larry Jeff McMurtry (June 3, 1936March 25, 2021) was an American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter whose work was predominantly set in either the Old West or contemporary Texas. , who he claims has mastered the art of well-written dialogue.
Substitutes are known as ''said-bookisms''. For example, in the sentence ''"What do you mean?" he smiled'', the word ''smiled'' is a said-bookism.
See also
*
Exposition
Exposition (also the French for exhibition) may refer to:
*Universal exposition or World's Fair
* Expository writing
** Exposition (narrative)
* Exposition (music)
*Trade fair
A trade fair, also known as trade show, trade exhibition, or trade e ...
*
Fiction writing
Fiction writing is the composition of non-factual prose texts. Fictional writing often is produced as a story meant to entertain or convey an author's point of view. The result of this may be a short story, novel, novella, screenplay, or drama, ...
*
Pace
*
Show, Don't Tell
Show, don't tell is a technique used in various kinds of texts to allow the reader to experience the story through actions, words, thoughts, senses, and feelings rather than through the author's exposition, summarization, and description. It av ...
Notes
References
*
*
External links
* Fiction Writing
Top 8 Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue* Tips for Fiction Writers
{{Film editing
Fiction
Style (fiction)
Fiction-writing mode
Narratology
Writing