so To write a good dialogue, let your characters talk in their own voices, use quotation marks properly, start a new paragraph for each speaker, add small actions, and make sure each line of dialogue moves the story forward.
When you read a story, the parts where characters talk are often the most fun. Dialogue brings characters to life. In this article, I will show you how to write dialogue step by step. I will use simple words, a casual tone, and clear headings. You will learn the rules, see examples, and do exercises. This article is also made to be friendly for Google, Bing, and even AdSense, so it is well-organized and helpful.
What Is Dialogue?
Dialogue is when characters in a story speak to each other using direct speech. It’s what they say out loud, shown in writing with quotation marks (“ ”).
Dialogue is different from narration. Narration is when the author describes things (“He walked to the door.”). Dialogue is when a character speaks:
“I’m tired,” she said.
Dialogue helps in these ways:
It shows us what a character is feeling or thinking.
It helps us know who the characters are.
It moves the story along.
It makes the story more lively and fun to read.
Why Dialogue Is Important
When your story has only descriptions like “He was sad” or “She was angry,” it can feel flat. Dialogue adds life.
Makes characters real — When a character speaks, you hear their voice.
Shows conflict or problem — People argue or disagree. Dialogue makes that clear.
Gives information naturally — Instead of telling readers everything, you let characters talk and reveal things.
Keeps reader’s interest — Long chunks of description can be boring; dialogue breaks them up.
If a dialogue does not help in one of these ways (character, plot, mood), then it might be unnecessary. That is a tip from writing experts: each line of dialogue should serve a purpose. Well-Storied.+1
Basic Rules for Dialogue
Let’s get the rules right. Here are simple but important rules you should always follow.
1. Use Quotation Marks
Put what a character says inside “double quotation marks.”
Example: “I like apples,” said Amina.
2. New Paragraph for New Speaker
Every time a different character speaks, start a new paragraph. This keeps the dialogue clear.
Example:
“Are you okay?” asked Rina.
“Yes,” replied Sam.
“Really?” she asked again.
3. Punctuation Inside Quotes
If the line ends in a comma, question mark, or exclamation, that mark goes inside the quotation marks — before leaving the quote.
“Do you want to go?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said.
“Watch out!” he shouted.
4. Use Dialogue Tags
Dialogue tags are phrases like he said, she asked. They tell who is speaking. Use them, but don’t overuse them.
Better:
“I don’t know,” Maya said.
“Will you help me?” she asked.
Sometimes you can skip the tag if it’s clear who is speaking.
5. Add Small Actions
Between or along with dialogue, add what characters do to show emotion or action. This is called “action beats.”
Example:
“I’m scared,” he whispered, pulling his jacket tighter.
She looked down. “I hope everything will be okay.”
6. Keep Dialogue Natural
People don’t always speak in perfect sentences. Use small pauses, incomplete thoughts, short phrases, or even interruptions. But don’t make it too messy.
Also, avoid long “info dump” speeches where a character tells everything in one big block. Dialogue works best when spread out. NY Book Editors+1
7. Make Each Character’s Voice Unique
One character might speak in short sentences; another uses big words. One might be timid, another bold. This helps readers tell who is speaking. Well-Storied.+1
8. Avoid Excessive Small Talk
In real life, people say many things that don’t matter (“Hi, how are you? Fine, you?”). In writing, too much of that slows down the story. Keep only what matters. Self Publishing School+1
9. Use Interruptions & Pauses
Use a dash (—) to show someone is interrupted. Aluse ellipsis (…) for trailing thoughts or pauses.
Example:
“I was going to say—”
“No, don’t.”
How to Plan and Write Dialogue
Dialogue doesn’t just appear. You should plan it. Here’s how:
Step 1: Know Your Characters
Decide who is talking. What kind of person is he or she? Brave? Shy? Funny? Serious? That will decide how they speak.
Step 2: Know the Purpose
Ask: Why is this dialogue here? What should it do? It should either:
Move the plot forward (something changes)
Reveal character (what they feel, their secrets)
Show relationship between characters
Create tension or conflict
If a dialogue line does none of these, consider removing it.
Step 3: Write a Draft
Just let your characters talk. Don’t worry about perfect grammar the first time.
Step 4: Read It Aloud
Speaking the dialogue out loud helps you hear what works and what doesn’t. Many writing guides advise this. Self Publishing School+1
Step 5: Edit and Trim
Remove extra words, small talk, or repetitive lines. Make it tight. Keep only what is needed.
Step 6: Add Actions & Beats
Put in small actions, expressions, gestures to show what’s happening while the speech is going on.
Step 7: Check Who Speaks When
Make sure each line is clear. If the reader can’t tell who is speaking, add a tag or action.
Example Dialogue in a Scene
Here is a sample scene showing good dialogue, with explanations.
Scene: Two classmates talking after school
Maya shuffled her books. “Did you finish the math homework?”
Rafi looked up from his bag. “Not yet. I got stuck on the last problem.”
She sighed. “Me too. Should we work on it together?”
He nodded. “Yes! Let’s meet at the library tomorrow.”
She smiled. “Great idea. What time?”
“Four o’clock?” he suggested.
“Perfect. See you then,” she said.
Explanation:
New paragraph for each speaker.
Dialogue tags are minimal.
An action (Maya shuffling her books) adds life.
The conversation has a clear purpose: they will meet and work together.
Table: Do’s and Don’ts of Dialogue
Here’s a table to help you remember what to do and what to avoid:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use quotation marks correctly | Don’t forget new paragraph for a new speaker |
| Use simple dialogue tags like “said” or “asked” | Don’t use too many fancy tags all the time |
| Show actions with dialogue | Don’t over-explain feelings (“I am sad”) |
| Make each voice different | Don’t have all characters speak the same way |
| Use interruptions / pauses | Don’t use long speeches that slow story |
| Read dialogue out loud | Don’t keep needless small talk |
Types of Dialogue
Dialogue comes in a few types. Knowing them helps you use them well.
Outer Dialogue
This is the normal conversation between characters, shown with quotation marks.
Inner Dialogue
This is what a character thinks inside their head. It is not spoken out loud. You might show it in italics or simply write it without quotation marks.
Example:
She wondered, Why did he leave so early?
Quoted Dialogue Inside Dialogue
Sometimes a character quotes someone else. Use single quotes inside the double quotes.
Example:
“I heard her say, ‘I don’t like that,’” he said.
Tips to Improve Your Dialogue
Here are extra tips to make your dialogue shine:
Use subtext: characters might not say everything; what’s left unsaid matters.
Use show, don’t tell: show feelings by actions, not just “he was sad.” Wikipedia
Keep dialogue brief and strong. Don’t drag it out.
Mix dialogue + action + narration for good pace. Wikipedia
Avoid info dumping—don’t use dialogue to dump huge background information all at once. NY Book Editors
Practice Exercises
Try these to become better:
Write a dialogue of 6 lines between a parent and child about homework.
Pick a scene from a movie or show and write down how two characters talk — then rewrite it in your style.
Take a description-only paragraph and convert part of it into dialogue + action.
Write a dialogue with an interruption (use dash).
Write inner dialogue (character’s thought) then answer it with outer dialogue.
After writing, read your dialogue aloud. If it sounds strange or confusing, change it.
FAQs About How to Write a Dialogue Writing
Below are some questions and answers people often ask about dialogue writing.
Q1: What if I don’t use a dialogue tag?
A: If it’s clear who is speaking, you can skip the tag. But if ambiguity arises, add “he said” or “she said” or an action.
Q2: How long can a speech be?
A: Keep speeches short. If someone must speak for longer, break it into smaller parts or add actions.
Q3: Should every sentence in dialogue use a tag?
A: No. Using a tag after every sentence is tiring. Use tags when needed. Use actions to show who is speaking.
Q4: Can dialogue include slang or accents?
A: Yes, but in a mild way that readers can understand. Don’t overdo it.
Q5: How do I show someone interrupting?
A: Use a dash (—).
Example: “I was going to ask—”
“Stop,” she said.
Q6: How do I show a pause or hesitation?
A: Use ellipsis (…) or a comma.
Example: “I … I’m not sure.”
Example: “Well, maybe … we can try.”
Q7: Can a character think as they speak?
A: Yes. You can mix dialogue with thoughts or feelings. But keep it clear.
Q8: How do I format long dialogue?
A: Use quotation marks at the start of each paragraph of the long speech. But put closing quote only at the end of the last paragraph.
Q9: Is inner dialogue the same as thought?
A: Inner dialogue is when a character thinks in their head. It is not spoken. You show it differently (no quotation or italics).
Q10: How much dialogue is enough?
A: Enough that it helps the story. Don’t force it. Use dialogue where needed, not everywhere.
Conclusion
Writing dialogue is like letting your characters talk to each other in your story. Good dialogue shows emotions, reveals who they are, and pushes the story forward.