Well, first, the dialogue should fit the setting and tone of the story. Also, it should be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary rambling. And don't forget to use different speech patterns for each character to make them distinct.
Definitely. Consider a short story about a job interview. The interviewer asks, 'So, tell me about your greatest strength.' The interviewee answers, 'I think my ability to work under pressure is my biggest strength. I once had to finish a project in two days and still managed to do a great job.' The dialogue here serves multiple purposes. It drives the plot as it's a key part of the job interview situation. It also reveals information about the characters. The interviewee's response shows their confidence and work ethic. Moreover, dialogue can break up long passages of description and make the story more dynamic. It can also be used to introduce conflict, like if the interviewer challenges the interviewee's claim.
Yes, it's totally possible. Starting with dialogue can create immediate intrigue and introduce characters and their relationships quickly. It can also give the reader a sense of the story's atmosphere and style.
Yes, you can use real names in fictional dialogue. Just like in general fiction, as long as you are not using it to slander or violate someone's privacy. It can be used to add a sense of realism. For example, if you have a character in a story set in a small town and they mention the real name of the local mayor in their conversation, it makes the setting feel more real.
Definitely. Dialogue in a short story helps bring characters to life and advance the plot. It gives the reader a better sense of the interaction and personality of the characters.
Sure, it can. A short story focused mostly on dialogue can be very effective if the conversations are engaging and reveal important aspects of the characters and the plot.
Absolutely. Dialogue in a short story helps bring the characters to life and move the plot forward. It can reveal their personalities and relationships. Also, it makes the story more engaging and interactive for the reader.