[Warning: lengthy stuff ahead]
I had a question about grammar/punctuation when I read the following
fanfic:
Big Bore <bigbore@eagle.ptialaska.net>
[R.5][repost/revised]Shoki Saga Chpt 9: Steel on Steel
[Three examples, same pattern]
#1 "We were only after Ranma this time, but since you came along as
well, we can train you too!" Rumbled the man to the little black
piglet.
#2 "I thought the duel didn't start until noon? It is barely
eleven!" Snarled Shoki.
#3 "You are not Ranma! Who are you!" He roared.
In each case, the dialogue started with a quotation and ended with an
exclamation mark (!) followed by a reference to the speaker.
Are those three samples properly punctuated? I have seen this type of
sentence pattern in other fanfics by other authors (sorry to single
you out, <bigbore@eagle.ptialaska.net>) . If someone out there can
correct me, it would help me improve my own fanfics.
My guess is:
"You are not Ranma! Who are you!" he roared.
Since the above line is a complete sentence, shouldn't the 'h' be in
lowercase?
I've looked through the Prentice Hall Reference Guide to Grammar and
Usage by Muriel Harris (1992 edition), and although I could not find
a definite answer, I found something close. Here is what the guide
stated:
[p. 110, Section 26b]
"Did Henry ever pay back that loan?" she wondered.
In the above example, 'she' is in lowercase.
Peace.
Brian H.
carnet@jps.net