50+ Dialogue Examples
A writer has many tools and techniques in their arsenal to obtain the attention and interest of the reader. One of these techniques is in the shape of a dialogue that occurs when two or more characters vocally interact with one another.
What Is a Dialogue?
Dialogue is an element in a story that deals with two or more characters interacting with one another in a single scene. If you want to do a deep dive into the framework of dialogue or need a template, an example you may refer to articles named Tripolis Dialogue, Dialogue Handbook, and Autonomous Dialogue for Interactive Story Telling on the links above.
Dialogue Examples in Writing
1. Expressing Surprise
- Character A: âYou got the promotion?â
- Character B: âYeah, can you believe it? Iâm still in shock!â
2. Showing Conflict
- Character A: âWhy didnât you tell me about the meeting?â
- Character B: âI thought you already knew. Besides, you never listen to me anyway.â
3. Creating Tension
- Character A: âAre you hiding something from me?â
- Character B: âWhy would I hide anything? Youâre just being paranoid.â
4. Revealing Emotions
- Character A: âI canât do this anymore.â
- Character B: âWhat do you mean? Are you leaving?â
5. Demonstrating Friendship
- Character A: âThanks for being there for me.â
- Character B: âAlways. Thatâs what friends are for.â
6. Introducing Humor
- Character A: âDid you hear about the mathematician whoâs afraid of negative numbers?â
- Character B: âNo, what about him?â
- Character A: âHeâll stop at nothing to avoid them!â
7. Exchanging Information
- Character A: âDo you know where the library is?â
- Character B: âYeah, itâs just around the corner, next to the coffee shop.â
8. Building Romantic Tension
- Character A: âYou look beautiful tonight.â
- Character B: âThanks. Youâre not so bad yourself.â
9. Offering Reassurance
- Character A: âWhat if I fail?â
- Character B: âYou wonât. And even if you do, Iâll be here to help you get back up.â
10. Making Decisions
- Character A: âShould we take the job in New York?â
- Character B: âI think we should. Itâs a big move, but itâs a great opportunity.â
Dialogue Examples in Literature
1. âPride and Prejudiceâ by Jane Austen
- Elizabeth: âFrom the very beginningâ from the first moment, I may almost sayâ of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.â
- Mr. Darcy: âYou have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been.â
2. âTo Kill a Mockingbirdâ by Harper Lee
- Atticus: âRemember itâs a sin to kill a mockingbird.â
- Scout: âWhy?â
- Atticus: âMockingbirds donât do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They donât eat up peopleâs gardens, donât nest in corncribs, they donât do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. Thatâs why itâs a sin to kill a mockingbird.â
3. âThe Great Gatsbyâ by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Nick: âYou canât repeat the past.â
- Gatsby: âCanât repeat the past? Why of course you can!â
4. âHarry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâ by J.K. Rowling
- Hagrid: âYouâre a wizard, Harry.â
- Harry: âIâm a what?â
5. âThe Catcher in the Ryeâ by J.D. Salinger
- Holden: âPeople always clap for the wrong things.â
6. â1984â by George Orwell
- Winston: âDoes Big Brother exist?â
- OâBrien: âOf course he exists. The Party exists. Big Brother is the embodiment of the Party.â
7. âThe Hobbitâ by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Bilbo: âGood morning!â
- Gandalf: âWhat do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?â
8. âMoby-Dickâ by Herman Melville
- Captain Ahab: âFrom hellâs heart I stab at thee; for hateâs sake I spit my last breath at thee. Ye damned whale.â
9. âThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finnâ by Mark Twain
- Huck: âAll right, then, Iâll go to hell.â
10. âFrankensteinâ by Mary Shelley
- The Creature: âI am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?â
Dialogue Examples in a Story
1. Expressing Surprise
Context: Sarah unexpectedly meets her old friend Mike at a coffee shop.
- Sarah: âMike? Is that you?â
- Mike: âSarah! Wow, I canât believe itâs really you. How long has it been?â
2. Showing Conflict
Context: Emma confronts her brother Jack about using her car without permission.
- Emma: âWhy did you take my car without asking?â
- Jack: âI needed it for an emergency. You werenât using it anyway.â
- Emma: âThatâs not the point, Jack. You should have asked.â
3. Creating Tension
Context: Detective Jones interrogates a suspect, Tom, about his alibi.
- Detective Jones: âWhere were you last night at 10 PM?â
- Tom: âI already told you, I was at home.â
- Detective Jones: âFunny, because we have a witness who says otherwise.â
4. Revealing Emotions
Context: Lily tells her best friend, Rachel, about her recent breakup.
- Lily: âI canât do this anymore, Rachel. Itâs over between us.â
- Rachel: âOh, Lily, Iâm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?â
5. Demonstrating Friendship
Context: Ben helps his friend Mark move into a new apartment.
- Mark: âThanks for helping me with all these boxes.â
- Ben: âNo problem. What are friends for?â
6. Introducing Humor
Context: Jake and Sam joke around while waiting for the bus.
- Jake: âWhy did the scarecrow win an award?â
- Sam: âI donât know, why?â
- Jake: âBecause he was outstanding in his field!â
7. Exchanging Information
Context: Alex asks Jamie for directions to the library.
- Alex: âDo you know where the library is?â
- Jamie: âYeah, itâs just around the corner, next to the coffee shop.â
8. Building Romantic Tension
Context: During a dinner date, Anna and John discuss their future.
- John: âYou look beautiful tonight.â
- Anna: âThanks. Youâre not so bad yourself.â
9. Offering Reassurance
Context: Karen comforts her friend Lisa, who is worried about a job interview.
- Lisa: âWhat if I mess up the interview?â
- Karen: âYou wonât. And even if you do, Iâll be here to help you get back on your feet.â
10. Making Decisions
Context: Tom and Linda discuss whether to take a job offer in another city.
- Tom: âShould we take the job in New York?â
- Linda: âI think we should. Itâs a big move, but itâs a great opportunity.â
Dialogue Examples in Novels
1. âThe Roadâ by Cormac McCarthy
Context: A father and son navigate a post-apocalyptic world.
- The Boy: âWhat would you do if I died?â
- The Man: âIf you died I would want to die too.â
- The Boy: âSo you could be with me?â
- The Man: âYes. So I could be with you.â
2. âThe Book Thiefâ by Markus Zusak
Context: Liesel Meminger talks with her foster father, Hans Hubermann.
- Liesel: âHow about a kiss, Saumensch?â
- Hans: âWhat did you call me?â
- Liesel: âYou heard me.â
3. âGone Girlâ by Gillian Flynn
Context: Nick and Amy Dunne confront each other about their troubled marriage.
- Nick: âWhat are you thinking? How are you feeling? What have we done to each other? What will we do?â
- Amy: âWeâre so cute. I want to punch us in the face.â
4. âLife of Piâ by Yann Martel
Context: Pi Patel describes his ordeal at sea with a Bengal tiger.
- Pi: âI will not die. I refuse it. I will make it through this nightmare. I will beat the odds, as great as they are. I have survived so far, miraculously. Now I will turn miracle into routine. The amazing will be seen every day.â
5. âThe Night Circusâ by Erin Morgenstern
Context: Celia and Marco discuss the nature of their magical competition.
- Celia: âIâm tired of trying to hold things together that cannot be held.â
- Marco: âIâm not sure I understand.â
- Celia: âIâm tired of magic.â
6. âThe Shadow of the Windâ by Carlos Ruiz ZafĂłn
Context: Daniel Sempere and his father talk about books and memories.
- Daniel: âA secretâs worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.â
- Father: âAnd one must always protect secrets, even from those who know them.â
7. âNeverwhereâ by Neil Gaiman
Context: Richard Mayhew encounters Door in the underground world of London Below.
- Richard: âYou donât look like youâd be any good in a fight.â
- Door: âI look like an angel, but I slice like a demon.â
8. âBelovedâ by Toni Morrison
Context: Sethe talks to her daughter Denver about their past.
- Sethe: âI did it. I got us all out. Without Beloved and without you, I would have died in that shack.â
- Denver: âYou got us out, Mama. You got us safe.â
9. âThe Handmaidâs Taleâ by Margaret Atwood
Context: Offred reflects on her situation in Gilead.
- Offred: âWe were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.â
10. âThe Kite Runnerâ by Khaled Hosseini
Context: Amir speaks with Rahim Khan about his guilt and redemption.
- Rahim Khan: âThere is a way to be good again.â
- Amir: âHow?â
Dialogue Examples in Movies
1. The Godfather (1972)
- Vito Corleone: âIâm gonna make him an offer he canât refuse.â
2. Forrest Gump (1994)
- Forrest Gump: âMy mama always said, âLife was like a box of chocolates. You never know what youâre gonna get.'â
3. Star Wars: Episode V â The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Darth Vader: âI am your father.â
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
- Joker: âWhy so serious?â
5. Casablanca (1942)
- Rick Blaine: âHereâs looking at you, kid.â
6. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
- Dorothy: âToto, Iâve a feeling weâre not in Kansas anymore.â
7. Titanic (1997)
- Jack Dawson: âIâm the king of the world!â
8. A Few Good Men (1992)
- Col. Jessep: âYou canât handle the truth!â
9. Gone with the Wind (1939)
- Rhett Butler: âFrankly, my dear, I donât give a damn.â
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
- Gandalf: âA wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to.â
More Samples & Templates of Dialogue in PDF
1. Dialogue List Template
2. Template for Dialogue
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[/ns_row]3. Dialogue Handbook Template
4. Director, Convergence Dialogue on Digital Disinformation
5. Policy Dialogue Preparation and Facilitation Checklist
6. Creative Writing Dialogue
Dialogue Techniques
Effective dialogue can bring characters to life and drive the narrative forward. Here are several techniques to enhance your dialogue writing:
1. Realistic Speech Patterns
- Mimic the natural rhythm and flow of real conversations.
- Example:
- Realistic: âI dunno⌠Maybe we could just stay in tonight?â
- Unrealistic: âI do not know. Perhaps we could remain indoors this evening.â
2. Use of Subtext
Convey underlying meanings without explicitly stating them.
- Example:
- Subtext: âNice job on the presentation.â (When the tone indicates sarcasm)
- Explicit: âYour presentation was terrible.â
3. Character-Specific Voice
Give each character a unique way of speaking that reflects their background, personality, and mood.
- Example:
- Character A: âHey, whatâs up?â
- Character B: âGreetings. How do you do?â
4. Avoiding On-the-Nose Dialogue
Avoid making characters say exactly what they feel or think.
- Example:
- On-the-Nose: âI am angry with you for lying to me.â
- Subtle: âI canât believe anything you say anymore.â
5. Interruptions and Overlapping Speech
Use interruptions and overlapping dialogue to mimic real conversations.
- Example:
- Character A: âI really think we shouldââ
- Character B: ââNo, I donât want to hear it.â
6. Use of Silence
Utilize pauses and silences to convey tension or emotion.
- Example:
- âDid youâŚ?â He hesitated, searching her face. âDid you really mean that?â
7. Indirect Dialogue
Summarize dialogue rather than quoting it directly.
- Example:
- Instead of: âI canât believe you did that,â she said.
- Use: She expressed her disbelief at his actions.
8. Incorporating Action with Dialogue
Combine dialogue with actions to add depth and context.
- Example:
- âIâm not scared,â he said, though his hands trembled.
9. Using Dialects and Accents Sparingly
Use dialects and accents to add authenticity but avoid overdoing it to prevent readability issues.
- Example:
- Light Use: âYâall coming to the party?â
- Overdone: âYâall gonâ be cominâ to da party?â
10. Internal Dialogue
Use internal thoughts to reveal a characterâs true feelings.
- Example:
- He said, âIâm fine,â but inside, he was screaming for help.
Rules for Formatting Dialogue
Formatting dialogue correctly is essential for clarity and engagement in writing. Here are the essential rules for formatting dialogue:
1. Use Quotation Marks
- Enclose all spoken words within quotation marks.
- Example:
- Correct: âI canât wait for the weekend,â she said.
- Incorrect: I canât wait for the weekend, she said.
2. Start a New Paragraph for Each Speaker
- Begin a new paragraph each time the speaker changes.
- Example:
- Correct:
- âWhat are your plans for the weekend?â John asked.
- âIâm thinking of going hiking,â Mary replied.
- Incorrect: âWhat are your plans for the weekend?â John asked. âIâm thinking of going hiking,â Mary replied.
- Correct:
3. Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks
- Place periods, commas, question marks, and exclamation points inside the quotation marks.
- Example:
- Correct: âAre you coming to the party?â he asked.
- Incorrect: âAre you coming to the partyâ? he asked.
4. Use Dialogue Tags Appropriately
- Use tags like âhe saidâ or âshe askedâ to identify the speaker, placing them after the dialogue or at a natural pause.
- Example:
- Correct: âI donât know,â she whispered.
- Incorrect: âI donât knowâ she whispered.
5. Interrupting Dialogue with Tags
- If a dialogue tag interrupts a sentence, use commas to set it off.
- Example:
- Correct: âIf you want to go,â he said, âwe can leave now.â
- Incorrect: âIf you want to goâ he said âwe can leave now.â
6. Action Tags
- Use action tags to describe what the speaker is doing, which can replace dialogue tags.
- Example:
- Correct: âI canât believe it!â She slammed the door.
- Incorrect: âI canât believe it!â she slammed the door.
7. Multiple Sentences
- If a speaker says multiple sentences, use quotation marks only at the beginning and end of the entire speech.
- Example:
- Correct: âIâm not sure what to do. Maybe we should ask for help.â
- Incorrect: âIâm not sure what to do.â âMaybe we should ask for help.â
Elements of Effective Dialogue
Effective dialogue is crucial for creating compelling and realistic narratives. Here are the key elements that contribute to writing impactful dialogue:
1. Realism
Make dialogue sound like real conversation.
- Example: âI canât believe weâre finally here!â vs. âI cannot believe that we have arrived at this location.â
2. Character Voice
Each character should have a unique way of speaking.
- Example: A teenager might say, âThatâs cool,â while an elderly person might say, âThatâs quite impressive.â
3. Subtext
Use dialogue to imply meanings rather than stating them directly.
- Example: âOh, youâre home early,â implies something unsaid, like suspicion or surprise.
4. Conflict and Tension
Introduce conflict or tension to make dialogue interesting.
- Example: âI canât believe you did that!â vs. âI wish you had asked me first.â
5. Purpose
Dialogue should advance the plot or develop characters.
- Example: âWe need to find the key before midnight,â pushes the plot forward.
Synonyms & Antonyms of Dialogue
Synonyms | Antonyms |
---|---|
Conversation | Silence |
Discussion | Monologue |
Exchange | Soliloquy |
Chat | Quiet |
Talk | Isolation |
Communication | Monotony |
Discourse | Noncommunication |
Banter | Stillness |
Dialogue | Solitude |
Confabulation | Reticence |
Dialogue vs. Dialog
Aspect | Dialogue | Dialog |
---|---|---|
Spelling | Common in British English | Common in American English |
Usage | Preferred in formal writing | Used interchangeably in informal contexts |
Context | Literary, conversational | Computer interfaces, tech-related contexts |
Example Sentence | âThe dialogue in the novel is captivating.â | âThe software update improved the dialog boxes.â |
Etymology | Derived from Greek âdialogosâ | Simplified spelling adaptation |
How To Write an Engaging Dialogue

Writing engaging dialogue is crucial for creating dynamic and relatable characters. Here are some key tips and techniques:
1. Develop Distinct Character Voices
- Ensure each character speaks in a way that reflects their unique personality and background.
- Example: âThatâs lit!â vs. âThatâs quite impressive.â
2. Use Subtext
- Imply meanings and emotions rather than stating them directly.
- Example: âMust be nice to get everything you want,â instead of âIâm jealous.â
3. Incorporate Conflict and Tension
- Introduce and heighten conflict through dialogue.
- Example: âI told you not to touch my things!â vs. âI was just trying to help.â
4. Keep it Concise
- Make dialogue brief and to the point.
- Example: âLetâs go to the store,â instead of, âI think that maybe we should consider going to the store if youâre not too busy.â
5. Balance Dialogue with Action
- Combine dialogue with actions to add depth.
- Example: âIâm leaving,â he said, grabbing his coat.
6. Avoid Exposition Dumps
- Integrate information naturally into conversations.
- Example: âRemember when we first met? It feels like forever ago,â instead of, âAs you know, weâve been friends for ten years and during that timeâŚâ
How do you create distinct character voices?
Give each character unique speech patterns, vocabulary, and expressions reflecting their background, personality, and emotions.
How can dialogue advance the plot?
Use dialogue to reveal key information, create conflict, and drive the story forward through character interactions and decisions.
What makes dialogue realistic?
Mimic natural speech patterns, use contractions, interruptions, and ensure characters speak in ways appropriate to their personalities and backgrounds.
How do you balance dialogue with action?
Combine dialogue with descriptive actions to enhance context and depth, showing charactersâ emotions and reactions.
What is the role of subtext in dialogue?
Subtext implies underlying meanings and emotions, allowing characters to communicate indirectly, adding depth and complexity.
How do you avoid exposition dumps in dialogue?
Integrate information naturally into conversations, revealing details gradually through interactions rather than lengthy monologues.
What are common dialogue mistakes?
Avoid unrealistic speech, overuse of names, exposition dumps, and excessive dialogue tags.
How can interruptions improve dialogue?
Natural interruptions and overlapping speech mimic real conversations, adding realism and dynamic flow.
How do you show character emotions through dialogue?
Use tone, word choice, and actions accompanying speech to convey emotions without explicitly stating them.
What techniques make dialogue engaging?
Use conflict, tension, humor, and unique character voices to create dynamic and captivating conversations.
50+ Dialogue Examples
A writer has many tools and techniques in their arsenal to obtain the attention and interest of the reader. One of these techniques is in the shape of a dialogue that occurs when two or more characters vocally interact with one another.
What Is a Dialogue?
Dialogue is an element in a story that deals with two or more characters interacting with one another in a single scene. If you want to do a deep dive into the framework of dialogue or need a template, an example you may refer to articles named Tripolis Dialogue, Dialogue Handbook, and Autonomous Dialogue for Interactive Story Telling on the links above.
Dialogue Examples in Writing
1. Expressing Surprise
Character A: âYou got the promotion?â
Character B: âYeah, can you believe it? Iâm still in shock!â
2. Showing Conflict
Character A: âWhy didnât you tell me about the meeting?â
Character B: âI thought you already knew. Besides, you never listen to me anyway.â
3. Creating Tension
Character A: âAre you hiding something from me?â
Character B: âWhy would I hide anything? Youâre just being paranoid.â
4. Revealing Emotions
Character A: âI canât do this anymore.â
Character B: âWhat do you mean? Are you leaving?â
5. Demonstrating Friendship
Character A: âThanks for being there for me.â
Character B: âAlways. Thatâs what friends are for.â
6. Introducing Humor
Character A: âDid you hear about the mathematician whoâs afraid of negative numbers?â
Character B: âNo, what about him?â
Character A: âHeâll stop at nothing to avoid them!â
7. Exchanging Information
Character A: âDo you know where the library is?â
Character B: âYeah, itâs just around the corner, next to the coffee shop.â
8. Building Romantic Tension
Character A: âYou look beautiful tonight.â
Character B: âThanks. Youâre not so bad yourself.â
9. Offering Reassurance
Character A: âWhat if I fail?â
Character B: âYou wonât. And even if you do, Iâll be here to help you get back up.â
10. Making Decisions
Character A: âShould we take the job in New York?â
Character B: âI think we should. Itâs a big move, but itâs a great opportunity.â
Dialogue Examples in Literature
1. âPride and Prejudiceâ by Jane Austen
Elizabeth: âFrom the very beginningâ from the first moment, I may almost sayâ of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.â
Mr. Darcy: âYou have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been.â
2. âTo Kill a Mockingbirdâ by Harper Lee
Atticus: âRemember itâs a sin to kill a mockingbird.â
Scout: âWhy?â
Atticus: âMockingbirds donât do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They donât eat up peopleâs gardens, donât nest in corncribs, they donât do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. Thatâs why itâs a sin to kill a mockingbird.â
3. âThe Great Gatsbyâ by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick: âYou canât repeat the past.â
Gatsby: âCanât repeat the past? Why of course you can!â
4. âHarry Potter and the Sorcererâs Stoneâ by J.K. Rowling
Hagrid: âYouâre a wizard, Harry.â
Harry: âIâm a what?â
5. âThe Catcher in the Ryeâ by J.D. Salinger
Holden: âPeople always clap for the wrong things.â
6. â1984â by George Orwell
Winston: âDoes Big Brother exist?â
OâBrien: âOf course he exists. The Party exists. Big Brother is the embodiment of the Party.â
7. âThe Hobbitâ by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo: âGood morning!â
Gandalf: âWhat do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?â
8. âMoby-Dickâ by Herman Melville
Captain Ahab: âFrom hellâs heart I stab at thee; for hateâs sake I spit my last breath at thee. Ye damned whale.â
9. âThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finnâ by Mark Twain
Huck: âAll right, then, Iâll go to hell.â
10. âFrankensteinâ by Mary Shelley
The Creature: âI am malicious because I am miserable. Am I not shunned and hated by all mankind?â
Dialogue Examples in a Story
1. Expressing Surprise
Context: Sarah unexpectedly meets her old friend Mike at a coffee shop.
Sarah: âMike? Is that you?â
Mike: âSarah! Wow, I canât believe itâs really you. How long has it been?â
2. Showing Conflict
Context: Emma confronts her brother Jack about using her car without permission.
Emma: âWhy did you take my car without asking?â
Jack: âI needed it for an emergency. You werenât using it anyway.â
Emma: âThatâs not the point, Jack. You should have asked.â
3. Creating Tension
Context: Detective Jones interrogates a suspect, Tom, about his alibi.
Detective Jones: âWhere were you last night at 10 PM?â
Tom: âI already told you, I was at home.â
Detective Jones: âFunny, because we have a witness who says otherwise.â
4. Revealing Emotions
Context: Lily tells her best friend, Rachel, about her recent breakup.
Lily: âI canât do this anymore, Rachel. Itâs over between us.â
Rachel: âOh, Lily, Iâm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?â
5. Demonstrating Friendship
Context: Ben helps his friend Mark move into a new apartment.
Mark: âThanks for helping me with all these boxes.â
Ben: âNo problem. What are friends for?â
6. Introducing Humor
Context: Jake and Sam joke around while waiting for the bus.
Jake: âWhy did the scarecrow win an award?â
Sam: âI donât know, why?â
Jake: âBecause he was outstanding in his field!â
7. Exchanging Information
Context: Alex asks Jamie for directions to the library.
Alex: âDo you know where the library is?â
Jamie: âYeah, itâs just around the corner, next to the coffee shop.â
8. Building Romantic Tension
Context: During a dinner date, Anna and John discuss their future.
John: âYou look beautiful tonight.â
Anna: âThanks. Youâre not so bad yourself.â
9. Offering Reassurance
Context: Karen comforts her friend Lisa, who is worried about a job interview.
Lisa: âWhat if I mess up the interview?â
Karen: âYou wonât. And even if you do, Iâll be here to help you get back on your feet.â
10. Making Decisions
Context: Tom and Linda discuss whether to take a job offer in another city.
Tom: âShould we take the job in New York?â
Linda: âI think we should. Itâs a big move, but itâs a great opportunity.â
Dialogue Examples in Novels
1. âThe Roadâ by Cormac McCarthy
Context: A father and son navigate a post-apocalyptic world.
The Boy: âWhat would you do if I died?â
The Man: âIf you died I would want to die too.â
The Boy: âSo you could be with me?â
The Man: âYes. So I could be with you.â
2. âThe Book Thiefâ by Markus Zusak
Context: Liesel Meminger talks with her foster father, Hans Hubermann.
Liesel: âHow about a kiss, Saumensch?â
Hans: âWhat did you call me?â
Liesel: âYou heard me.â
3. âGone Girlâ by Gillian Flynn
Context: Nick and Amy Dunne confront each other about their troubled marriage.
Nick: âWhat are you thinking? How are you feeling? What have we done to each other? What will we do?â
Amy: âWeâre so cute. I want to punch us in the face.â
4. âLife of Piâ by Yann Martel
Context: Pi Patel describes his ordeal at sea with a Bengal tiger.
Pi: âI will not die. I refuse it. I will make it through this nightmare. I will beat the odds, as great as they are. I have survived so far, miraculously. Now I will turn miracle into routine. The amazing will be seen every day.â
5. âThe Night Circusâ by Erin Morgenstern
Context: Celia and Marco discuss the nature of their magical competition.
Celia: âIâm tired of trying to hold things together that cannot be held.â
Marco: âIâm not sure I understand.â
Celia: âIâm tired of magic.â
6. âThe Shadow of the Windâ by Carlos Ruiz ZafĂłn
Context: Daniel Sempere and his father talk about books and memories.
Daniel: âA secretâs worth depends on the people from whom it must be kept.â
Father: âAnd one must always protect secrets, even from those who know them.â
7. âNeverwhereâ by Neil Gaiman
Context: Richard Mayhew encounters Door in the underground world of London Below.
Richard: âYou donât look like youâd be any good in a fight.â
Door: âI look like an angel, but I slice like a demon.â
8. âBelovedâ by Toni Morrison
Context: Sethe talks to her daughter Denver about their past.
Sethe: âI did it. I got us all out. Without Beloved and without you, I would have died in that shack.â
Denver: âYou got us out, Mama. You got us safe.â
9. âThe Handmaidâs Taleâ by Margaret Atwood
Context: Offred reflects on her situation in Gilead.
Offred: âWe were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of print. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories.â
10. âThe Kite Runnerâ by Khaled Hosseini
Context: Amir speaks with Rahim Khan about his guilt and redemption.
Rahim Khan: âThere is a way to be good again.â
Amir: âHow?â
Dialogue Examples in Movies
1. The Godfather (1972)
Vito Corleone: âIâm gonna make him an offer he canât refuse.â
2. Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump: âMy mama always said, âLife was like a box of chocolates. You never know what youâre gonna get.'â
3. Star Wars: Episode V â The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Darth Vader: âI am your father.â
4. The Dark Knight (2008)
Joker: âWhy so serious?â
5. Casablanca (1942)
Rick Blaine: âHereâs looking at you, kid.â
6. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Dorothy: âToto, Iâve a feeling weâre not in Kansas anymore.â
7. Titanic (1997)
Jack Dawson: âIâm the king of the world!â
8. A Few Good Men (1992)
Col. Jessep: âYou canât handle the truth!â
9. Gone with the Wind (1939)
Rhett Butler: âFrankly, my dear, I donât give a damn.â
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Gandalf: âA wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early; he arrives precisely when he means to.â
More Samples & Templates of Dialogue in PDF
1. Dialogue List Template
filmco.org
2. Template for Dialogue
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pelyntprimary.co.uk
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3. Dialogue Handbook Template
duf.dk
4. Director, Convergence Dialogue on Digital Disinformation
convergencepolicy.org
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5. Policy Dialogue Preparation and Facilitation Checklist
euro.who.int
6. Creative Writing Dialogue
fgcu.edu
Dialogue Techniques
Effective dialogue can bring characters to life and drive the narrative forward. Here are several techniques to enhance your dialogue writing:
1. Realistic Speech Patterns
Mimic the natural rhythm and flow of real conversations.
Example:
Realistic: âI dunno⌠Maybe we could just stay in tonight?â
Unrealistic: âI do not know. Perhaps we could remain indoors this evening.â
2. Use of Subtext
Convey underlying meanings without explicitly stating them.
Example:
Subtext: âNice job on the presentation.â (When the tone indicates sarcasm)
Explicit: âYour presentation was terrible.â
3. Character-Specific Voice
Give each character a unique way of speaking that reflects their background, personality, and mood.
Example:
Character A: âHey, whatâs up?â
Character B: âGreetings. How do you do?â
4. Avoiding On-the-Nose Dialogue
Avoid making characters say exactly what they feel or think.
Example:
On-the-Nose: âI am angry with you for lying to me.â
Subtle: âI canât believe anything you say anymore.â
5. Interruptions and Overlapping Speech
Use interruptions and overlapping dialogue to mimic real conversations.
Example:
Character A: âI really think we shouldââ
Character B: ââNo, I donât want to hear it.â
6. Use of Silence
Utilize pauses and silences to convey tension or emotion.
Example:
âDid youâŚ?â He hesitated, searching her face. âDid you really mean that?â
7. Indirect Dialogue
Summarize dialogue rather than quoting it directly.
Example:
Instead of: âI canât believe you did that,â she said.
Use: She expressed her disbelief at his actions.
8. Incorporating Action with Dialogue
Combine dialogue with actions to add depth and context.
Example:
âIâm not scared,â he said, though his hands trembled.
9. Using Dialects and Accents Sparingly
Use dialects and accents to add authenticity but avoid overdoing it to prevent readability issues.
Example:
Light Use: âYâall coming to the party?â
Overdone: âYâall gonâ be cominâ to da party?â
10. Internal Dialogue
Use internal thoughts to reveal a characterâs true feelings.
Example:
He said, âIâm fine,â but inside, he was screaming for help.
Rules for Formatting Dialogue
Formatting dialogue correctly is essential for clarity and engagement in writing. Here are the essential rules for formatting dialogue:
1. Use Quotation Marks
Enclose all spoken words within quotation marks.
Example:
Correct: âI canât wait for the weekend,â she said.
Incorrect: I canât wait for the weekend, she said.
2. Start a New Paragraph for Each Speaker
Begin a new paragraph each time the speaker changes.
Example:
Correct:
âWhat are your plans for the weekend?â John asked.
âIâm thinking of going hiking,â Mary replied.
Incorrect: âWhat are your plans for the weekend?â John asked. âIâm thinking of going hiking,â Mary replied.
3. Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks
Place periods, commas, question marks, and exclamation points inside the quotation marks.
Example:
Correct: âAre you coming to the party?â he asked.
Incorrect: âAre you coming to the partyâ? he asked.
4. Use Dialogue Tags Appropriately
Use tags like âhe saidâ or âshe askedâ to identify the speaker, placing them after the dialogue or at a natural pause.
Example:
Correct: âI donât know,â she whispered.
Incorrect: âI donât knowâ she whispered.
5. Interrupting Dialogue with Tags
If a dialogue tag interrupts a sentence, use commas to set it off.
Example:
Correct: âIf you want to go,â he said, âwe can leave now.â
Incorrect: âIf you want to goâ he said âwe can leave now.â
6. Action Tags
Use action tags to describe what the speaker is doing, which can replace dialogue tags.
Example:
Correct: âI canât believe it!â She slammed the door.
Incorrect: âI canât believe it!â she slammed the door.
7. Multiple Sentences
If a speaker says multiple sentences, use quotation marks only at the beginning and end of the entire speech.
Example:
Correct: âIâm not sure what to do. Maybe we should ask for help.â
Incorrect: âIâm not sure what to do.â âMaybe we should ask for help.â
Elements of Effective Dialogue
Effective dialogue is crucial for creating compelling and realistic narratives. Here are the key elements that contribute to writing impactful dialogue:
1. Realism
Make dialogue sound like real conversation.
Example: âI canât believe weâre finally here!â vs. âI cannot believe that we have arrived at this location.â
2. Character Voice
Each character should have a unique way of speaking.
Example: A teenager might say, âThatâs cool,â while an elderly person might say, âThatâs quite impressive.â
3. Subtext
Use dialogue to imply meanings rather than stating them directly.
Example: âOh, youâre home early,â implies something unsaid, like suspicion or surprise.
4. Conflict and Tension
Introduce conflict or tension to make dialogue interesting.
Example: âI canât believe you did that!â vs. âI wish you had asked me first.â
5. Purpose
Dialogue should advance the plot or develop characters.
Example: âWe need to find the key before midnight,â pushes the plot forward.
Synonyms & Antonyms of Dialogue
Synonyms | Antonyms |
---|---|
Conversation | Silence |
Discussion | Monologue |
Exchange | Soliloquy |
Chat | Quiet |
Talk | Isolation |
Communication | Monotony |
Discourse | Noncommunication |
Banter | Stillness |
Dialogue | Solitude |
Confabulation | Reticence |
Dialogue vs. Dialog
Aspect | Dialogue | Dialog |
---|---|---|
Spelling | Common in British English | Common in American English |
Usage | Preferred in formal writing | Used interchangeably in informal contexts |
Context | Literary, conversational | Computer interfaces, tech-related contexts |
Example Sentence | âThe dialogue in the novel is captivating.â | âThe software update improved the dialog boxes.â |
Etymology | Derived from Greek âdialogosâ | Simplified spelling adaptation |
How To Write an Engaging Dialogue
Writing engaging dialogue is crucial for creating dynamic and relatable characters. Here are some key tips and techniques:
1. Develop Distinct Character Voices
Ensure each character speaks in a way that reflects their unique personality and background.
Example: âThatâs lit!â vs. âThatâs quite impressive.â
2. Use Subtext
Imply meanings and emotions rather than stating them directly.
Example: âMust be nice to get everything you want,â instead of âIâm jealous.â
3. Incorporate Conflict and Tension
Introduce and heighten conflict through dialogue.
Example: âI told you not to touch my things!â vs. âI was just trying to help.â
4. Keep it Concise
Make dialogue brief and to the point.
Example: âLetâs go to the store,â instead of, âI think that maybe we should consider going to the store if youâre not too busy.â
5. Balance Dialogue with Action
Combine dialogue with actions to add depth.
Example: âIâm leaving,â he said, grabbing his coat.
6. Avoid Exposition Dumps
Integrate information naturally into conversations.
Example: âRemember when we first met? It feels like forever ago,â instead of, âAs you know, weâve been friends for ten years and during that timeâŚâ
How do you create distinct character voices?
Give each character unique speech patterns, vocabulary, and expressions reflecting their background, personality, and emotions.
How can dialogue advance the plot?
Use dialogue to reveal key information, create conflict, and drive the story forward through character interactions and decisions.
What makes dialogue realistic?
Mimic natural speech patterns, use contractions, interruptions, and ensure characters speak in ways appropriate to their personalities and backgrounds.
How do you balance dialogue with action?
Combine dialogue with descriptive actions to enhance context and depth, showing charactersâ emotions and reactions.
What is the role of subtext in dialogue?
Subtext implies underlying meanings and emotions, allowing characters to communicate indirectly, adding depth and complexity.
How do you avoid exposition dumps in dialogue?
Integrate information naturally into conversations, revealing details gradually through interactions rather than lengthy monologues.
What are common dialogue mistakes?
Avoid unrealistic speech, overuse of names, exposition dumps, and excessive dialogue tags.
How can interruptions improve dialogue?
Natural interruptions and overlapping speech mimic real conversations, adding realism and dynamic flow.
How do you show character emotions through dialogue?
Use tone, word choice, and actions accompanying speech to convey emotions without explicitly stating them.
What techniques make dialogue engaging?
Use conflict, tension, humor, and unique character voices to create dynamic and captivating conversations.