The Golden Rules for Writing Dialogue

What are some dos of using dialogue in a short story?

• Give a distinct voice to your character

• Reveal characters' relationships

• Move the story forward

• Increase tension

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

What are some don'ts of using dialogue in a short story?

• Avoid mundane dialogue

• Don't use interjections frivolously

• Avoid obscenities and slang

• Start a new paragraph for each new speaker

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Why is it important to start a new paragraph for each new speaker?

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the matching word to this definition?

to laugh quietly

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What is the matching word to this definition?

to talk about or look at someone or something in an unkind way that shows you do not respect or approve of him, her, or it.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the matching word to this definition?

(especially of dogs) to make a deep, rough sound while showing the teeth, usually in anger or (of people) to speak or say something angrily and forcefully:

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the matching word to this definition?

to make a low, rough sound, usually in anger

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the matching word to this definition?

a deep, long sound showing great pain or unhappiness

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is the matching word to this definition?

to speak quietly and in a low voice that is not easy to hear, often when you are worried or complaining about something

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is the matching word to this definition?

to speak or say something very quietly

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4