WHAT IS DIALOGUE? By definition, dialogue is a conversation between characters. You know when you’ve hit dialogue because you will see quotes “ “ around words.
SETTING UP DIALOGUE IN OUR STORIES Each
time a character speaks we start a new paragraph. Keep punctuation inside the quotations “ “ Example: Johnny stared off into space. “I want to go home.” Michael laughed. “You’re stuck here all day long like the rest of us. There’s no escaping this classroom.” “But learning is boring!” Johnny exclaimed. right.”
“That may be, but you know Mrs. Williams. She’ll make us do this work until we do it
“Yeah, I know,” Johnny sighed. “I guess we’d better just focus and do our best so we can get a good grade.”
WHY USE DIALOGUE? Sets
the scene
Adds pizazz to our writing It helps us get to know characters
THE TOPIC FOR YOUR DIALOGUE
Your greatest fear has invaded your island. How do you figure out a plan to defeat it? - it doesn’t have to be a real fear (mine isn’t) - you don’t have to solve the problem by the time your dialogue is over
LET’S TRY IT TOGETHER Conflict
Character used in interaction
Topic of Conversation
Problem
Character vs. Character (external) Mrs. Williams & Harrison Ford vs. Ninja Space Monkeys
HERE’S MY EXAMPLE Conflict
Character used in interaction
Harrison Ford
Topic of Conversation
Problem
How do we defeat the ninja space monkeys?
NOW, ON TO THE DIALOGUE!
SAID
Words to use other than “said” http://www.spwicks trom.com/said/
HERE’S MY DIALOGUE Harrison and I walked down the trail, looking around to ensure no monkeys were lurking. The ninja space monkeys were fierce, unpredictable, and nasty. If we were to conquer them we had to come up with a plan. Harrison looked at me and questioned, “How can we defeat something that is so intelligent?” “We have to figure out a way to outsmart them,” I answered back. “What if we were to build a gigantic cage and lure them in?” Harrison looked proud of this simple idea. “Um. No. I don’t think that’s a bright idea. They are smart monkeys. Let me guess, you’d want to lure them in with bananas too, right?” My humor and sarcasm was seeping into my words as I cracked a smile. “Well, at least I have an idea,” Harrison quipped. “I don’t see you throwing out any ideas.” “I’m a more methodical thinker than you, Harrison. You may be cute and a fabulous actor, but if the screenplay isn’t written, you seem to struggle with creativity.” “I don’t like your tone. I’m just trying to help here.” Harrison was losing his temper. “You’re right. I am a little stressed. After the monkey attack last night I’ve been a little on edge. These monkeys just keep pushing us to our limits. I feel like I’m going crazy!” I exclaimed as I wiped a bead of sweat from my forehead. “Let’s think this through. If the ninja space monkeys are to be defeated we have to think one step ahead of them. What if we were to find a way to control their minds?” Harrison sounded like he was on the verge of something big. “What are you thinking, Harrison?” I was getting excited with the possibility of controlling the little buggers. “Here’s what I’m thinking.” Harrison’s voice was starting to get giddy. “We can go back to the workshop and I can show you a little contraption I’ve been tinkering with these past few months. I think we might have a chance.” As we walked back to the workshop, I thought I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. Was that a samurai sword I saw? Was that the glint of metal that caught the sun’s ray? We had to keep the upper hand. If not, we were doomed……
HERE’S THE ASSIGNMENT 1) Complete your bubble cluster 2) Write a 3-4 sentence intro to set up your dialogue. Don’t start with talking. 3) Write 10 sentences of dialogue (ping pong back and forth with your character) 4) Write a 2-3 sentence closing to end your dialogue. Don’t end with talking. 4) Use dialogue tags – remember NO SAID 5) Remember you’ll have a lot of small paragraphs 7) This is due (typed and printed) when you come to class on Monday (dialogue + bubble cluster).
