Step 1: Different Types of Dialogue

Dialogue is the written or spoken exchange between two or more characters within your story. Though, it may at first seem like a very trivial element, good dialogue is an essential aspect to an engaging story.

Before we explore how to write good dialogue, we must first examine the different forms. In my mind, there are four mediums of dialogue; verbal, nonverbal, written, and internal. Verbal dialogue, as the name suggests, is dialogue that is spoken aloud. Nonverbal dialogue is what could also be categorized as silent communication. Written dialogue is communication through written text or symbols, and internal dialogue is a character's inner thoughts.

Though verbal dialogue tends to be the most common medium, it will depend heavily on each writer's personal writing style, as well as the style of the text you are writing.

It is also important to know how and when it is appropriate to employ each different medium. For example, nonverbal communication is generally used to convey emotion; sadness, joy, confusion, etc. However, nonverbal communication can also be used to convey more complex ideas (see example below)

Within these four mediums there is further subcategorization. Regardless of what medium you are using, dialogue will either be natural, or conversational dialogue, or it will be story-centric dialogue.

Conversational dialogue is dialogue meant to add color to a story. It is not necessarily important to the plot, but it adds characterization, illustrating that the characters in the story are people rather than drones. Story-centric dialogue is dialogue that helps develop the story, whether that be through foreshadowing, plot progression, or character development.

Example: Let us examine nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is not a common occurrence in most stories, though I tend to implement it more than most authors. At a very basic level, nonverbal dialogue conveys singular thoughts or ideas, such as facial expressions. If a character is smiling, they are probably happy. If they are crying it is because they are upset. Though no conversation is really being held, the characters are still conveying a state of mind, only instead of saying "I'm happy", it is expressed through nonverbal expressions. Emotions, however, are generally not extremely important to developing the story, thus this is what would be classified as natural/conversational nonverbal dialogue.

Example: An example of story-centric nonverbal communication can be seen at the end of my Male Reader x Pyrrha Nikos, The Strength of a Soldier. When it is revealed to Pyrrha that (F/N) is actually a survivor of the Great War, she looks at him with fearful eyes. Though no words are spoken allowed, the idea of fear and disgust are conveyed silently through the eyes. Meaningful nonverbal communication such as this, should generally only occur between two characters that have a meaningful bond because they are so attuned to one another that words are not necessary. Though it is possible to do so through other ways, I generally convey story-centric nonverbal dialogue by using the eyes. This is because the eyes are a key element in conveying truthful emotions, such as the common phrase "A smile that didn't reach the eyes." The eyes are the window to the soul.

Step 2: The Pyramid Scheme

Much like character development, dialogue too should follow a pyramid scheme. The bulk of a story's dialogue will probably be conversational. Conversational isn't as critical to the story's plot progression or character development, but it is likely going to occur more frequently than the more important story-centric dialogue.

Just because story-centric dialogue is more critical to the story, don't confuse this to mean that conversational dialogue isn't important. Conversational dialogue may not drive the story in terms of development, but it does help to add color. Remember, your characters are people, and people talk. Think about the random conversations you have throughout the day. They are generally not essential to your life, but they definitely make life entertaining.

Example: Just a few days ago I was talking with some of my friends as we reminisced about our younger selves. We talked about the mischievous habits we had as children and about the people we went to school with and about how we got in trouble with our teachers. Was this essential to me functioning properly? No. Was it an enjoyable conversation to have? Yes.

Step 3: Flow

When writing a conversation, whether it be verbal, nonverbal, written, or internal, you must make sure the conversation flows naturally. Don't have your character talking about television shows one second and then quantum physics the next. Though this is definitely a possibility, make sure there is a connection. Conversations don't generally change topic at the drop of a hat. There has to be some sort of linear progression from one topic of conversation to the next.

Though not necessarily more important that logical linear progression, another key aspect to good dialogue is making it feel natural. Poor dialogue is a killer of otherwise great stories. Engaging plot, good character development, it can all be completely destroyed in one terrible scene of poorly written dialogue. One of my least favorite things to read in a conversation is someone saying "First off... secondly... and third/finally...". This is a cliché. Understand that some things are clichés because they work. This is not one of those things.

Example: I remember reading a story that had a conversation go something like this:

"Dude, you gotta get up. You're gonna be late."

"First off, we have two hours before we have to be anywhere. Second, the place is only thirty minutes away. And third, I'm tired, let me sleep."

Who the actual fuck talks like that?

And this is the key to writing good dialogue. The best advice I can give anyone writing conversations is this: Make sure it sounds real.

When writing, ask yourself, would a real person say this? If the answer is no, don't write it.

Exercise: Watch a movie directed by Quentin Tarantino. His dialogue is absolutely incredible.