Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer's arsenal. When done well, it reveals character, advances plot, and creates authentic connections between your characters and readers. When done poorly, it can make your story feel stilted and unnatural.

The Purpose of Dialogue

Every line of dialogue should serve at least one of these purposes:

• Reveal character - Show personality, background, and motivations
• Advance the plot - Move the story forward or provide crucial information
• Create tension - Build conflict or emotional stakes
• Establish relationships - Show how characters interact and feel about each other

Making Dialogue Sound Natural

Real conversation is messy, full of interruptions, and often mundane. Fictional dialogue needs to feel real while being more focused and purposeful than actual speech.

Listen to How People Actually Talk

Pay attention to conversations around you. Notice how people:

• Use contractions and informal language
• Interrupt each other
• Leave sentences unfinished
• Use filler words and repetition
• Speak differently to different people

Creating Distinct Character Voices

Each character should have a unique way of speaking that reflects their personality, background, and current emotional state.

Common Dialogue Mistakes to Avoid

Characters shouldn't tell each other things they already know just to inform the reader. Characters who always say exactly what they mean are boring. People don't use each other's names as much in conversation as beginning writers think.

The Final Test

Great dialogue should feel effortless to read while accomplishing multiple story goals. When readers are so engaged in the conversation that they forget they're reading, you've mastered the art of dialogue.

Remember: dialogue is not just characters talking—it's characters revealing themselves through their words, silences, and everything in between.