What makes you remember a person that you encountered? It's mostly the way they talk and express themselves, along with the unspoken signals (communication without words), that stick in your memory. Dialogue is your secret weapon to make them unforgettable. Likewise, what makes you connect to a particular story or character—yes, it’s the way the characters communicate through dialogue.
In this article, let’s look at tips to create interesting dialogue for your characters and, also, how to use dialogue to create a particular effect in a story.
1. Eavesdrop to create real-time dialogue:
Ever caught a bit of conversation while waiting in line at the ice cream truck or ticket counter? That's pure dialogue gold! Listen to how people talk, the jokes they crack, how fear shows in their shaky voices and the secrets they carefully reveal (in simple terms, how they express themselves). Tuning into these conversations helps you see the many ways people express themselves, making your understanding of communication richer. This will help you create characters who speak like real people.
2. Mix and match to move the story forward, set the tone and create atmosphere:
Consider mixing and matching personalities in your story.
Let’s imagine you have a friend who's a comic relief (like Ron from the Harry Potter series) and another who's wise and mysterious (like Elsa from Frozen). Let’s check an example of blending different traits:
Ron suggested, "Oi, Elsa! What if we plan a surprise treasure hunt in the enchanted forest? It sounds exciting, with clues hidden in ancient trees and magical creatures leading the way!"
Elsa affirmed, "Ron, that's a delightful idea. Let's ensure each clue echoes the forest's wisdom, and we'll let the magic guide us on this enchanting journey. The trees will share their secrets with those who seek them."
Ron continued, "But, you know, we've got to be careful. Enchanted forests can be a bit tricky, and who knows what kind of creatures we might run into. Wouldn't want to end up in a mess, now, would we?"
Here, Ron's energetic proposal introduces the concept of a surprise treasure hunt with a hint of caution, setting the stage for a true adventure, while Elsa's calm response suggests a deeper connection to the forest and hints at a mystical quest. Ron's tone gives the hint of a thrilling treasure hunt ahead while Elsa’s tone inserts a mystery to the forest setting.
3. The power of pauses:
Just like the words mean a lot in a dialogue, pauses and unsaid words too can mean a lot. So, use them wisely! A well-timed pause can be as powerful as a superhero's punch!
Ron grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "And imagine... [Pause] the look on everyone's faces when they discover that we found the hidden treasure!"
Elsa smiled but commented, “I actually wouldn’t want that. I…I’d rather keep it a secret.”
Like pauses, most actions can speak louder than words in your story. Imagine two friends’ tummies bumping after a victorious game. Let your characters wink, shrug or twirl with joy to add a burst of energy to your dialogue.
5. Spice it up with slang:
Just like a secret code that only you and your friends understand, create your characters' own language. It could be a special catchphrase, a goofy word, or even a unique way of saying 'hello.' This adds flavour to your story, making it uniquely yours.
Eg: Ron, being his typical goofy self, would say "Blimey beans!" whenever he is excited about something or simply wants to swear. Meanwhile, Elsa could exclaim "frostalicious" when she finds something magical. By repeating these dialogues and expressing the way they say these catch phrases, the characters and their words stick with us.
6. Sneaky dialogue to create suspense:
To move the story forward in an engaging manner, you need to create suspense or show an element of foreshadowing. This can be created using unanswered questions, contrasting emotions and hinting at character reactions. Consider these suggestions:
Ron asked surprised, "Why wouldn’t you want everyone to know? What aren't you telling me?"
Elsa replied sternly, “Have you ever wondered why the treasure is kept a secret for so long? There should be a reason, right?
In short, try to get inspired by existing characters and imagine them with different names in your stories. Think about their personalities and create dialogues using those traits. It adds a fun twist to your own unique tale. And there you have it. You now know how to let your characters talk, laugh and surprise each other.
In conclusion, no one needs a guidebook to make their characters' words enchanting. By eavesdropping on real conversations, mixing and matching personalities and adding a splash of your secret language, you're all set to create dialogues that make your stories come alive. Also, don't forget the power of pauses! So, are you ready to try writing a short dialogue between two characters? What would they be talking about? How would their words show their personalities? Experiment and let your story shine through your character’s voices!