A guide on improving fantasy dialogue to make
it more authentic and engaging. Here are the key points:
- Foundation
of Dialogue: Understand how characters' professions and experiences
shape their speech. Use realistic language that reflects their expertise
and perspective, avoiding overly flowery or archaic expressions.
- Hidden
Meanings: Recognize that dialogue is like an iceberg; what is said is
only a small part of the conversation. The underlying intentions,
emotions, and power dynamics should be woven into the dialogue to create
depth and tension.
- Natural
Flow: Ensure conversations mimic real-life speech patterns, including
interruptions and unfinished thoughts. Characters should react to each
other naturally, and their dialogue should feel spontaneous rather than
scripted.
- Worldbuilding
Through Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal the world and its history
without resorting to exposition. Characters should reference their
environment and cultural context naturally, making the world feel
lived-in.
- Emotional
Core: Infuse dialogue with genuine emotions that resonate with
readers. Characters should express feelings through their actions and
perspectives rather than through direct statements about their emotions.
- High-Stakes
Moments: In crucial scenes, maintain the established character voices
and avoid melodrama. Use specific details and subtext to convey the weight
of the moment, ensuring that characters remain true to themselves even
under pressure.
Watch the video for examples and deeper explanation.
