Welcome, all aspiring writers! If you’re struggling with writing dialogue that pops off the page, you’re in the right place. Many successful authors have written unforgettable dialogue that makes their characters come to life. Here are some dos and don’ts of dialogue writing that we can learn from the pros.

DO: Give Each Character a Unique Voice 👥

When writing dialogue, each character should have a unique way of speaking that makes them stand out. No two people speak exactly the same way, so make sure to reflect that in your writing. Consider factors like regional dialects, education levels, and personality traits when crafting dialogue.

💡TIP: Read your dialogue aloud to make sure it sounds natural. If it feels awkward to speak, it might not read well on the page.

A group of people talking with different speech bubbles over their heads

DON’T: Overload Dialogue with Exposition 💬

Exposition is important, but it’s better to show than tell. Avoid using dialogue as a way to dump information on your readers. Instead, use body language and other actions to convey information. This technique will make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

❓Question: What’s a better way to include exposition?

A person holding a megaphone and shouting "INFO DUMP" with a crowd of people covering their ears

DO: Use Subtext to Add Complexity 🌟

Subtext is the underlying message or implication behind dialogue. It can add layers to your characters and make their conversations more interesting. Take your dialogue to the next level by including subtext. Use contradictions, sarcasm, and nonverbal cues to show what your characters are really thinking.

💬Example: “I love spending time with my family” said through gritted teeth implies that the character does not actually enjoy spending time with their family.

A character smiling and saying one thing while their thoughts above their head show their true feelings

DON’T: Make Dialogue Predictable 🙅

Predictable dialogue makes for a boring read. Avoid cliches, overly formal language, and instances where characters say exactly what you expect them to. Keep your readers on their toes by writing dialogue they can’t predict.

💭Tip: Think about how real people talk. Do they always say what they mean? Are they completely honest? Reflect those nuances in your dialogue.

A conveyor belt with a bunch of identical dialogue bubbles on it, with one unique one in the mix

DO: Write Dialogue that Advances the Story 📚

Dialogue should never exist just for the sake of having dialogue. It should always move the story forward. Every line should have a purpose, whether it’s revealing character information, advancing the plot, or setting the mood.

📜Example: “I need proof that you didn’t steal the ring,” said the detective. This line reveals the detective’s suspicions and sets up a future conflict.

A character pushing a story along by physically moving dialogue boxes forward

DON’T: Use Dialogue to Preach 🙊

As writers, it’s important to have a point of view, but don’t let that overshadow your story. Avoid creating characters that are just mouthpieces for your beliefs. Instead, let your story and characters speak for themselves.

💭Tip: If you feel the need to include a message, do so subtly. Think about how your story can subtly comment on your beliefs.

A character holding a sign with a message on it, while another character says "we get it already!"

And that’s it! Hopefully, these dos and don’ts of dialogue writing have given you a better idea of how to bring your characters to life. Happy writing!

A person writing at their desk with a thought bubble above their head filled with dialogue bubbles and characters