If people without a single fanfic to their credit are qualified to
produce commentary on how to write, then I suppose I must be as well.
I make no claims to be the last authority on what does or does not
constitute good writing, nor do I present myself as the ultimate
decider in these matters.  

I also do not aim to set down key rules for writing dialogue.  I don't
believe in unbreakable rules for the creative arts; I find they tend
to get in the way of being creative.  The Impressionists changed 
painting by breaking so-called "rules"; James Joyce changed writing by
breaking "rules"; Wagner and Lizst were accused of breaking "rules",
and they changed music.

The best way to refute those whose opinions we disagree with is not 
to attempt to shout them into silence, but to counter their points 
with our own, their dogmatism with rationality, and their bigotry 
with open-mindedness.  This applies to debate and disagreement both 
on the Net and in real life.  We need not lower ourselves to the 
level of those we oppose to combat them.  

In this spirit, I offer up my own opinions on the writing of dialogue
for prose.  This is what I keep in mind when writing dialogue for my
own fics.  What I state are not the absolute rules of dialogue; no two
authors create in the same way, nor should they.  

I shall not present dialogue made up specifically for this essay; it
is easy to prove your points when the only examples you use are your
own.  Rather, I'll attempt to make broad points that don't require
examples.

So, on with the show...


The first point I consider when writing dialogue for a character is
the character themselves.  Every person has a different manner of
speaking, one that reflects their personality.  It is important to
understand what a character is thinking as they speak; why do they
speak in the way they do?  Are they abrupt and to-the-point, or are
they long-winded?

The way in which a character speaks should offer us an insight into 
their thoughts and feelings.  Even if a scene is not told from the
perspective of a character, we should be able to determine how they
feel about things by the way in which they speak.  If they are angry,
their dialogue should reflect that, and be written differently from
the way you would write it if they were calm.

Second, I consider the situation that the speakers are in.  People
speak differently in stressful situations then they do when they are
relaxed.  Are the speakers pinned under enemy fire, or are they having
a quiet, romantic dinner?  

A dialogue between two characters should be handled differently than a
conversation between multiple people.  When there is only one person
to hear you speak, you speak to them.  In a group situation, if you
are trying to make a point to one person, you will often make eye
contact with them.  If you are speaking to a large crowd, you will
address your words to everyone.  Characters should do this as well.
Understand how the situation a dialogue takes place in will affect the
composition of that dialogue.

Third, I consider the relationships between the characters.  Are they
friends?  Enemies?  Casual acquaintances?  Lovers?  How does the
speaker feel about the person(s) they are speaking to?

Reveal the feelings of the characters for each other by their 
dialogue.  Rivals forced to battle against a common threat may snipe
insults at each other as they fight.  A pair of lovers united after
months apart will speak differently than if they have just met again
after five minutes of absence.  

Fourth, consider how you wish readers to respond to a dialogue.  Is it
meant to be humorous?  Serious?  Frightening?  Think about what the
reader knows in comparision to what the characters know; when we have
knowledge that characters do not, the meaning of their dialogue can
change for us.

Fifth, I consider how realistic the dialogue sounds.  Can I see 
people with these personalities, in this situation, with these
relationships to each other, speaking in such a way?  

Dialogue should be written to serve a purpose in your story.  At the
very least, it should be entertaining to read.  Dialogue can show the
changing relationships between characters, reveal backstory, create
tension, humour and irony.  It is both a fundamental part of writing
fiction and among the most difficult to do well.  


Thus, I have spoken my piece on dialogue.  Don't take it as the
gospel truth.  Take it as my opinion, and as my own insight into the
composition of my own writing.  If anyone finds it in any way
helpful, great.  

Ciao,
-Alan Harnum

______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com