The proper way to write dialogue in a story involves a few key elements. Tags like'said' are important but can be varied with other words like 'whispered', 'exclaimed' etc. sparingly. The dialogue should move the story forward. If characters are just chatting about random unimportant things, it doesn't serve the plot. Character emotions should be reflected in the dialogue. A sad character might speak softly and hesitantly, while an angry one might use short, sharp sentences. For example, a heartbroken lover could say, 'I... I don't think I can go on like this...' in a broken voice. Also, be careful with accents. If you write a character with a Scottish accent, don't overdo it to the point of making it difficult to read, like 'Och, laddie, ye ken whit ah mean?', but rather use a few well - placed words to suggest the accent, such as 'Aye, lad, ye see what I mean?'
One proper way is to use distinct voices for each character. Make sure the dialogue reflects the character's personality, background, and emotions. For example, a young, energetic character might use shorter, more excited sentences, while an older, wiser character could speak in a more measured and profound way.
Tagging dialogue is important too. Use simple tags like'said' most of the time as it becomes invisible to the reader. However, when you want to emphasize a certain tone, you can use other tags sparingly. For example, 'he hissed' can be used when a character is speaking in a menacing or secretive way. Also, break up long stretches of dialogue into paragraphs for different speakers. This makes it easier for the reader to follow who is saying what.
Characterization is key. The dialogue should show who the character is. Another element is pacing. It can't be too slow or too fast. And relevance, the dialogue has to be related to the plot or character development.
First, know your characters well so their dialogue reflects their personalities. Also, vary the length and pace of the conversations for a more realistic feel. And don't forget to use appropriate punctuation and tags to show who's speaking.
Sure. Beginners should start by listening to real conversations. Notice how people take turns talking and use different tones. Then, in your story, use simple tags like'said' at first. For example, 'He said, "Hello."' Also, keep the dialogue concise and to the point. Don't make it too long - winded.
One of the best ways is to make it natural. Avoid overly formal or stilted language. For example, people often use contractions in real life, so use them in dialogue too. Also, give each character a unique voice. This can be achieved through different word choices, sentence structures, and accents if applicable.
If the story has a more formal or historical setting, you might use the 24 - hour format. For instance, 'The train departed at 15:00 sharp.' Also, you can be more descriptive about the time. Instead of just stating the hour, you could say 'The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as the clock struck five in the morning.' This gives a sense of the time of day and the mood. Another aspect is to use time - related phrases like 'a while later' or 'not long after' to create a flow in the story without always being too specific about the exact time.
In a story, you can write time contextually. Instead of just stating the exact hour and minute, you can relate it to events. For instance, 'By the time the first star twinkled in the sky, she knew it was getting late, perhaps near nine o'clock.' You can also use time periods, such as 'In the early hours of the morning, while the world was still asleep, he set out on his journey.' This gives a sense of the atmosphere as well as the time. And, if it's a historical story, you might use the old - fashioned ways of telling time, like 'When the church bell tolled three times, signaling mid - day.'
To write memorable dialogue, think about the context of the story. If it's a historical setting, use language that is appropriate for that era. This not only makes the dialogue seem more authentic but also more memorable. For instance, in a story set in the Victorian era, characters might use more formal language with archaic words. Also, build on the relationships between characters. If two characters have a long - standing friendship, their dialogue can be full of in - jokes and shared memories, which are very memorable for the reader as they feel like they are getting an inside look at the relationship.