L E S S O N 7: T H E G R A M M A R O F W R IT I N G

L E S S OGuide
Printable N 6

DIALOGUE
PLUS: ACTIVITY WRITING

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 LESSON 6

Dialogue
1 DIALOGUE AND GRAMMAR
This portion can get very, very long and I know you just want to get to the
good stuff. So, with that being said, I’m going to give you a quick overview of
the ”rules” with some examples for each ”type” of dialogue and the correct
punctuation for them, and you can check out our blog post with more tips
for making sure your dialogue sounds natural here.

Take note of the red text and how it’s formatted:

Single Line Dialogue -

“You really shouldn’t have said that.”

Single Line With Dialogue Tag -

“You really shouldn’t have said that,” he whispered.

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Questions With Tag -

“Are you sure we have to leave that early?” she wondered aloud.

Dialogue Tag, Then Single Sentence -

He finally said, “Fine. Let’s just go for it.”

Body Language Between Two Sentences:

“I don’t see what the big deal is.” She tossed a braid over her
shoulder. “It’s not like she cared anyway.”

Body Language In the Middle of One Sentence:

“I don’t see what”—she tossed a braid over her

shoulder—“the big deal is.”

Single Line of Dialogue Getting Cut Off:

“Are you crazy—”

“Do not call me crazy.”

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Dialogue Tag in the Middle of a Sentence:

“You really shouldn’t have done that,” she

murmured. “That will get you in a lot of trouble.”

Paragraphs of Dialogue From One Person:

“It’s not that I don’t think you should have done that. Not exactly.
“Actually, I think it might be a great thing for you to have done.
I’m just worried about what will happen next and how that will
impact everyone else.”

Let’s move on to some

writing activities!

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A Quick Guide to
Character Dialogue
Your dialogue should be interesting, clear, and realistic. Here are some elements
you can focus on to ensure that your readers get a clear, interesting picture of
your characters.

Choosing Direct or Indirect Voice Write Realistically

Do you want your character to use direct or indirect dialogue? Make A businessman might
sure to map this out using your Character Development sheet. not say, “Yeah, no.
That’s totally heinous.”
Indirect: Pete wondered about the strange cat at the end of the
driveway, but said nothing. He might say, “I’m not
sure I’m following you.
Direct: Pete looked at Jen and asked, “What’s with that cat hanging
That seems a little ‘off’
out in our driveway? It’s been there all day.”
to me. What do you
WORD CHOICE

Use a mix of direct and indirect dialogue, but lean toward direct when think?”
you need to make a section of your writing punchier, more memorable.

Side note: When characters are

Dialogue Tags exchanging dialogue, you might
not need tags. Characters take
If you want your writing to stand out, don’t lean on the most common
turns speaking, so read the flow
dialogue tag, “said”. Use a mix of dialogue tags to help emphasize
of the conversation, the exchange,
the point and add color to your characters - rounding them out and
and determine if adding dialogue
making them come alive on page. (For 100 dialogue tags you can
tags will break the flow of the
use right now, check out the sheet “100 Dialogue Tags To Replace
conversation, or add clarity to it,
‘Said’” in this activity packet.
enhancing the conversation.

Punctuation Tips Basics

MECHANICS

Punctuation goes inside the quotation marks. Start a new paragraph

Example: “I’m moving away,” Harry sighed. every time the speaker
changes.
Periods are exchanged for commas when placing dialogue before
attributing the speaker.
When a dialogue tag comes first in the sentence, put the comma
after the tag and before the quotation marks.
Example: Jane leaned over and whispered, “I’ll see you later.”

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100 Dialogue Tags to

Replace “Said”
admitted bawled argued added
advised complained barked asked
agreed confessed bellowed babbled
assured cried boasted bargained
avowed croaked boomed blurted
began denied coughed chortled
bragged fretted demanded clucked
chatted gasped griped explained
cheered groaned growled grumbled
commented gurgled hissed gulped
convinced moaned insisted grunted
mumbled lied
crowed interrupted
objected
exclaimed jeered murmured
pleaded
gushed ranted mused
protested
instructed raved muttered
pleaded
joked roared nagged
protested
mentioned sassed guavered
sniffled
noted scolded revealed
snobbed
observed screamed shuddered
squeaked
promised shouted sneezed
stammered
replied shrieked snorted
uttered
reported snapped sputtered
vowed
snickered stormed squealed
wailed
stated wept taunted wondered
suggested whispered yelled
worried

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Character Dialogue
Writing Activity
On the left side, read and review the example of indirect dialogue. In the space
provided, write your own version of direct dialogue for that example. Refer to the
“Quick Guide to Character Dialogue” in this workbook for tips on writing direct
dialogue. Remember: Use a specific dialogue tag, appropriate language for the
character (tone/voice), and correct punctuation. Review the sample below for
reference.

INDIRECT DIALOGUE MORE DIRECT DIALOGUE

Example: I just can’t do this anymore Jim. I need to go,”

Sara told Jim they couldn’t Sara whispered as she hung her head and headed
be together anymore. to grab her suitcase from under the bed.
Puzzled and defensive,
he immediately questioned ”Wait, Sara. Wait. What do you mean you can’t do
her - wanting to know what THIS anymore? I thought THIS was what you wanted!”
happened. Jim yelled - frantically gesturing toward the
apartment (and the life they shared together in
it) - as he walked hurriedly behind her.

INDIRECT DIALOGUE MORE DIRECT DIALOGUE

Example:
Jane’s father dies in a car
accident. Jane was finishing
the touches on a surprise
family dinner, when she
hears a knock at the door.
Two police officers are
there.

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Character Dialogue
Writing Activity – Part II
On the following pages, you will find three photos with space for you to write your
own dialogue.

Be as creative as you can!

Write direct dialogue for the person in the photo, just as you would write direct or
conversational dialogue for your character.

Try to envision your character in the space, with that emotion, as you write your
dialogue.

Remember to use varied dialogue tags and correct punctuation for added emphasis.

Have fun!

Example:
“Finally,” Mariah
exclaimed.
“I’ve been searching
for this title for
month!”

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