Welcome back, class!

Ready for more tips on Dialogue?

Rule 1 : When a character is speaking, use commas at the end.

Here's an example.

Dialogue (no comma):

"I don't know, dude! I just like her." James ranted to his best friend.

Revised Dialogue:

"I don't know, dude! I just like her," James ranted to his best friend.

This is shown in books when a character is speaking to another one. An example where this might not happen is when they say something, but do an action right after.

Let me show you.

"Hey." Joseph punches my shoulder with a cheeky grin, laughing at my unamused face. I can't help but to laugh along with him.

Rule 2 : When a character is speaking for long periods of time, you can split it into two paragraphs while keeping it known that the same person is talking.

This also might sound confusing, so why don't I just show you?

Dialogue (not split):

Lucas shook his head as he began his speech for the rowdy teenagers in front of him. "Listen, everybody! I need you to pay attention. Today is a very special day. Many of your fellow students have put together a play for you, and multiple students will put on a small act for you at the end. I'm going to tell you what needs to happen. Stay seated for the entire time, unless you need to use the restroom, it's an emergency, or you have a scheduled appointment. Clapping must be kept to a minimum, but is encouraged after each act and the play. And most importantly, have fun. That's what we are here to do."

Revised Dialogue:

Lucas shook his head as he began his speech for the rowdy teenagers in front of him. "Listen, everybody! I need you to pay attention. Today is a very special day. Many of your fellow students have put together a play for you, and multiple students will put on a small act for you at the end. I'm going to tell you what needs to happen.

"Stay seated for the entire time, unless you need to use the restroom, it's an emergency, or you have a scheduled appointment. Clapping must be kept to a minimum, but is encouraged after each act and the play. And most importantly, have fun. That's what we are here to do."

It makes your writing look cleaner than having it all clumped together, as shown in the first example.

Rule 3 : When the character is asking a question, don't put a period there unless it's meant to be said as a statement rather than a question itself.

Here's what I mean.

Dialogue (without question mark):

"Hey, what are you doing this weekend." Mark inquired.

Revised Dialogue:

"Hey, what are you doing this weekend?" Mark inquired.

If using the first example (for a statement instead of a question), it is supposed to have a comma. Like this: "Hey, what are you doing this weekend," Mark inquired.

It would seem as a more of a teasing or serious gesture, for most cases.

That's all I have for today, students!

REVIEW:
Rule 1 : When a character is speaking, use commas at the end.
Rule 2 : When a character is speaking for long periods of time, you can split it into two paragraphs while keeping it known that the same person is talking.
Rule 3 : When the character is asking a question, don't put a period there unless it's meant to be said as a statement rather than a question itself.

Thanks for attending my class!

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-CastrarWolf