Hey there, fellow writers! Are you struggling to create realistic and engaging dialogue in your stories? Do you want to learn how to make your characters’ conversations more impactful and tense? Look no further! In this blog, I’ll share some tips and tricks for writing dialogue that builds tension and conflict. So grab your writing tools, and let’s get started! 📝✍️

Know Your Characters 🤔👀👥

Before you start writing dialogue, it’s essential to understand who your characters are and what motivates them. What are their backgrounds, personalities, and desires? What do they want from each other? Knowing these things will help you create realistic dialogue and make it easier to build tension and conflict. When characters have conflicting goals, beliefs, or opinions, their conversations will be more interesting and engaging. So take some time to get to know your characters before you start writing dialogue. 🤝🙎‍♀️🙎‍♂️

A table with notes and character descriptions written on paper

Use Subtext 🤫🤐💬

One of the best ways to build tension and conflict in dialogue is to use subtext. Subtext refers to the unspoken thoughts and emotions that underlie what characters say. It’s what they really mean but don’t say directly. Using subtext can create ambiguity, tension, and conflict between characters, as they navigate what’s not being said. Your readers will be more engaged in the story when they have to infer and interpret what’s happening beneath the surface of the dialogue. 🤔🤫💭

A character smiling and nodding politely while thinking about something else

Add Interruptions and Overlapping Dialogue 🗣️🙉🙊

If you want to create a sense of urgency, tension, and conflict in dialogue, try using interruptions and overlapping dialogue. When characters talk over each other or interrupt, it heightens the tension and shows how invested they are in the conversation. You can also use incomplete sentences or trailed off speech to create a sense of urgency or unease. This technique can make dialogue feel more authentic and dynamic. 🗣️🔥💥

Two characters shouting over each other, with speech bubbles and exclamation marks

Use Body Language and Action Tags 🙌🚶‍♀️👀

Dialogue doesn’t exist in a vacuum, so it’s essential to include the characters’ body language and actions to create tension and conflict. Body language and action tags reveal a lot about what characters are thinking and feeling, even if they’re not saying it out loud. Using these details can also break up long dialogue passages and make it easier for readers to follow the conversation. So, pay attention to how your characters are moving and reacting to create more impactful dialogue. 🚶‍♂️🤜🕺

A character crossing their arms and glaring while another character tries to speak

Use Silence 🤫🔇😶

Sometimes, what characters don’t say is just as important as what they do say. Using silence can be a powerful way to create tension and conflict in dialogue without dialogue. When characters refuse to engage in conversation or pause before responding, it can create a sense of unease or anticipation. It can be especially effective during an argument or emotional showdown, as characters try to read each other’s reactions. So don’t be afraid to leave some gaps in your dialogue. 🤫🔇💬

A character looking away and refusing to speak during an argument

Conclusion 📝🔚👋

There you have it, folks! Some tips and tricks for writing dialogue that builds tension and conflict. Remember to know your characters, use subtext, add interruptions and overlapping dialogue, use body language and action tags, and use silence. These techniques can make your dialogue come to life and keep your readers engaged. Thanks for reading, and happy writing! 📚✍️🖋️

A typewriter with a finished paper and a coffee cup