How to Write Dialogue for Screenplays
Creating Characters & Convincing Speech in Movie Script Writing
Jun 1, 2009
The use of dialogue can enhance or spoil a film. It breaks action, controls pace and serves to define characters. Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to when, where and how much dialogue is needed.
Writing Dialogue for Film Scriptwriting
Real life dialogue contains repetition, interruptions and irrelevances. If transcribed and grafted into a film script, it will result in a tedious read. Intercourse between fictional characters should contain the essence of real life speech, but one that is compelling and moves the story along. A good practice for the beginner, is to record (with permission) a conversation, cut out the deadwood then transcribe. Pare it down further to the barest minimum. This will help develop a feel for convincing fictional dialogue.
When to Use Dialogue
The secret to writing good dialogue is to give it a purpose. Either:
If a piece of dialogue does none of these, it must be cut out in order to improve the screenplay.
How to Create Tension and Drama in a Screenplay
Emulating real life speech within film is only part of the craft. Dialogue needs a subtle touch to be effective. Consider the following:
- Less is more. Dialogue should be understated and expressed in as few words a possible, unless the scene is trying to convey an atmosphere, such as the pressures of working in an office. Watch out for repeating information, spouting platitudes, and dialogue that “feels” wordy or stating the obvious. Sometimes too much dialogue can leave the viewer feeling pummelled over the head.
- Consider subtext. Not every question requires a response. Evasiveness, obliqueness and non-replies can say a lot, as can action that contradicts what is being said.
- Cut the small talk, greetings and chit-chat about the weather. Begin a scene as tardily as possible.
- Sometimes, simply cutting dialogue will add to the script. Deadwood can become invisible. Cut, cut and cut again in order to get to the essential core of the dialogue.
- Some novices use dialogue as a convenience for driving the plot. Use this technique with care.
How to Create Characters Through Speech
Look out for dialogue that has no distinction. If it could easily be spoken by any of the other characters, it is not individual enough. Consider:
- The differing characters’ motives.
- Their different backgrounds. (Incidentally, dialect should never be spelt phonetically in speech, but indicated on the cue.)
- What forces might be at work as they speak.
- Allow some or all of these forces to leak somehow into their speech.
- In order to galvanize a scene, ensure at least two of the characters starkly contrast in these respects.
Screenwriting Ideas for Revealing Characters Through Speech
Discourse provides contrast against action and description within a screenplay and moves the film along. Care must be taken that it does not sound contrived for the sake of the plot or of using too much dialogue. Every word spoken must serve a purpose without seeming to. This means revealing character, imparting information and moving the story along. Galvanizing a scene with discourse between two contrasting characters will also serve to root the viewer to their seat.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
