This document provides guidance on how to write dialogue between characters in stories. It discusses using quotation marks to show spoken words, placing commas between dialogue and narration, using proper end punctuation inside quotation marks, advancing to new lines when speakers change, being purposeful in including only dialogue that advances the plot or reveals relationships, and avoiding common mistakes like missing commas. The document includes examples to illustrate correct dialogue formatting and purposeful exchanges that reveal character dynamics.

1. DIALOGUE
H O W TO M A K E P E O P L E TA L K
I N Y O U R S TO R I E S

2. USE QUOTATION MARKS TO SHOW
WHAT IS BEING SAID OUT LOUD
•“I like Nike shoes,” he said.
•“Really? I don’t,” she replied.
•“Yes, my dad always bought them for me
when I was a kid.”

3. USING COMMAS
• Use a comma between the dialogue and the narration
• "I would like to go to the beach this weekend," she told
him as they left the apartment.
• Notice—the comma is touching the letter in front of it,
and the quotation marks touch the comma.
• There are no spaces before or after the comma.
• Commas go inside the quotation marks.

4. USING END PUNCTUATION
• Periods, question marks, and exclamation points and
commas go inside the quotation marks.
• “Where are you going?” she asked.
• “I can’t believe that!” he yelled.
• **You cannot use double periods. Therefore, you use a
comma to replace the period.
–“I love pepperoni pizza,” said Mrs. Harp.
–Mrs. Harp said, “I love pepperoni pizza.”

5. CHANGING SPEAKERS
• When 2 or more people are talking, you help readers
by advancing to the next line.
• Incorrect:
• “Where do you want to go?” Kelsey asked. “I don’t
know,” Tim answered. “Well, make up your mind!” she
blurted out.
• Correct:
• “Where do you want to go?” Kelsey asked.
• “I don’t know,” Tim answered.
• “Well, make up your mind!” she blurted out.

6. MAKE SURE YOU ARE PURPOSEFUL
Edit to Cut Unnecessary Dialogue
•If it doesn't build character or advance
your plot, edit it out.
Boring—no point:
"So I think we should take Elm all the way to Lincoln," Mary said, the map spread across
her lap.
"Is that really the best way?" Mel asked her. "What if we hit traffic?“
"But it's Sunday. We'll be fine."

7. MAKE SURE YOU ARE PURPOSEFUL
Purposeful Dialogue
Causes excitement and reveals their relationship:
"Why aren't we taking Elm?" Mary asked.
"Did I ask your opinion?" Mel said, switching lanes a bit too quickly. "When you drive,
you can pick the route. But I'm driving, so I'll pick the final route!”
"Fine, fine," Mary said. With a sigh, she reached over to switch on the radio. "If you'd
ever let me drive, then maybe I could," she said under her breath.

8. COMMON MISTAKE
• Incorrect:
• "I have made up my mind," she said nodding, "I do not
want to marry him."
• Correct:
• "I have made up my mind," she said, nodding. "I do not
want to marry him."

9. TASK
• Write 10 lines of dialogue between 2 or more
characters.
• It must be purposeful—advance the plot or reveal
relationships
• Surround your dialogue with good narration. (Facial
expressions and body language).

10. RESOURCES
• “How to Write Realistic Dialogue” https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-write-
realistic-dialogue-1277060