Introduction
Dialogue is when characters talk to each other in a story. It’s like when you play pretend with your toys and make them talk — that’s dialogue!
Example:
“I’m going on an adventure!” said Max.
“Don’t forget your backpack!” shouted Lily.
It makes your story come alive and helps readers hear the characters’ voices in their heads! 🎭🧸
Reasons to Use
Dialogue is super important because:
It shows how characters feel.
It helps tell the story without just saying everything.
It makes the story more fun and real.
It helps readers get to know the characters better.
Imagine a comic book with no speech bubbles — boring, right?
Out in the Wild!
Here’s how you can use dialogue in your own stories:
- To show an argument between two friends.
- To reveal a secret plan or a funny joke.
- To help move the story along without just telling.
Example:
“Look! A treasure map!” whispered Jake.
“Let’s follow it before anyone else sees!” said Ava.
Examples
Beginner:
Goal: Learn how to use quotation marks and who said what.
“I love pancakes,” said Mia.
“Me too!” replied her brother.
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Intermediate:
Goal: Add action or feeling to the dialogue.
“Why are you hiding?” asked Leo.
“Shhh! There’s a cat under the table,” whispered Zoe, eyes wide.
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Expert:
Goal: Add more than two people and mix dialogue with storytelling.
“The bus is leaving!” yelled Raj.
“Wait! I dropped my lunchbox,” said Sam, scrambling to pick it up.
“Hurry!” called their teacher. “We don’t want to be late for the zoo!”
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Troubleshooting Tips
Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
❌ Forgetting quotation marks | ✅ Use “ ” around what someone says |
❌ All talking, no action | ✅ Add what the character is doing |
❌ Confusing who’s speaking | ✅ Start a new line when a new person talks |
🎯 Tip: Every time someone new talks, start a new paragraph!
Also known as...
Talking parts
Speech
Character conversation
Quoted words
What they said
Where else is this Used?
Show personality: Is the character funny? Shy? Bossy?
Create suspense: What are they not saying?
Use slang or unique voices: Like pirates say, “Arrr!”
Writers even use inner dialogue to show what a character is thinking!
Memory Tips
🎈 Try this:
“Say it, mark it, tag it!”
Say what the character says.
Put it in quotation marks.
Add who said it and how.
Example:
“Let’s build a rocket!” cheered Milo.
Game Time!
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