How Much Dialogue Should Be in a Short Story

Short stories are a unique form of literary expression, combining brevity with depth to create impactful narratives. One of the most powerful tools at a writer’s disposal in crafting these concise tales is dialogue. The question of how much dialogue should be included in a short story is a common concern for both novice and experienced writers. This article delves into the intricacies of dialogue usage in short fiction, exploring its role, ideal proportions, and best practices for effective implementation.

What is the role of dialogue in short stories?

Dialogue serves multiple crucial functions in short stories, acting as a versatile literary device that can significantly enhance the narrative. Its primary roles include:

Character revelation: Through conversations, readers gain insight into characters’ personalities, motivations, and relationships. The way characters speak, their word choices, and their interactions with others can reveal more about them than paragraphs of description.

Plot advancement: Dialogue can move the story forward by conveying important information, introducing conflicts, or revealing plot twists. It’s an efficient way to progress the narrative without relying solely on exposition.

Setting establishment: Characters’ speech patterns, colloquialisms, and references can help establish the time period, location, and cultural context of the story.

Pacing control: Dialogue can quicken the pace of a story, creating a sense of immediacy and tension. Alternatively, it can slow things down, allowing for moments of reflection or character development.

Tone and atmosphere creation: The style and content of dialogue can set the mood of a scene or the overall story, whether it’s humorous, tense, romantic, or mysterious.

Subtext exploration: What characters don’t say can be as important as what they do say. Dialogue allows writers to explore subtext, creating layers of meaning beneath the surface of the conversation.

Reader engagement: Well-crafted dialogue can make a story more engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the world of the characters and making the narrative feel more alive and dynamic.

The effectiveness of dialogue in fulfilling these roles depends not just on its quantity, but on its quality and how well it’s integrated with other narrative elements. A short story with minimal but impactful dialogue can be just as effective as one with more extensive conversations, provided the dialogue serves its purpose within the broader context of the narrative.

How do genre expectations affect dialogue quantity?

Genre plays a significant role in determining the appropriate amount of dialogue in a short story. Different genres have distinct conventions and reader expectations, which can influence how much dialogue is typically used. Understanding these genre-specific norms can help writers strike the right balance in their stories.

Literary fiction: This genre often emphasizes introspection and character development. While dialogue is certainly present, it’s often interspersed with internal monologue and descriptive passages. Literary short stories may have less dialogue compared to genre fiction, focusing more on the characters’ inner worlds and the nuances of their interactions.

Mystery and thriller: These genres typically feature more dialogue, as conversations are often used to reveal clues, build suspense, and create tension between characters. Interrogations, confrontations, and revelations through dialogue are common elements that drive the plot forward.

Romance: Romantic short stories often rely heavily on dialogue to develop the relationship between the main characters. Conversations, flirtations, and emotional exchanges are central to the genre, resulting in a higher proportion of dialogue compared to many other genres.

Science fiction and fantasy: The amount of dialogue in these genres can vary widely depending on the specific story. Some may use extensive dialogue to explain complex world-building elements or technological concepts, while others might focus more on description and action to immerse readers in the fantastical or futuristic setting.

Horror: Horror short stories often use dialogue sparingly but effectively. Silence and limited communication can build tension and create an atmosphere of dread. When used, dialogue in horror stories is often impactful and may serve to heighten the sense of fear or reveal crucial plot points.

Comedy: Humorous short stories typically feature a higher proportion of dialogue, as much of the comedy is delivered through witty exchanges, misunderstandings, or character interactions. Dialogue is often the primary vehicle for humor in this genre.

Historical fiction: The amount of dialogue in historical short stories can vary, but it often serves a dual purpose of advancing the plot and providing historical context. Writers may use dialogue to authentically represent the speech patterns and social norms of the era being depicted.

While these genre expectations provide general guidelines, it’s important to note that they are not rigid rules. Skilled writers often subvert genre conventions to create unique and compelling stories. The key is to understand the expectations of your chosen genre and then make informed decisions about how to use dialogue effectively within that framework.

Ultimately, the right amount of dialogue for any short story depends on the specific narrative, characters, and the writer’s individual style. Genre expectations should inform these decisions but not dictate them entirely. The goal is to use dialogue in a way that best serves the story, regardless of genre conventions.

What is the ideal percentage of dialogue in a short story?

Determining the ideal percentage of dialogue in a short story is not an exact science, as it depends on various factors including the story’s genre, style, and specific narrative requirements. However, understanding some general guidelines and considerations can help writers strike an effective balance.

General recommendations: While there’s no universally agreed-upon percentage, many writing experts suggest that dialogue should typically comprise between 40-60% of a short story. This range allows for a balance between conversation and narrative prose, giving the writer flexibility to develop characters, advance the plot, and describe the setting.

Factors influencing dialogue percentage:

Story length: In very short stories (e.g., flash fiction under 1,000 words), the percentage of dialogue might be lower to allow for concise plot development and character establishment.

Narrative style: First-person narratives might have less dialogue as the story is filtered through the protagonist’s perspective, while third-person narratives might incorporate more dialogue to reveal character interactions.

Story focus: Character-driven stories often feature more dialogue, while plot-driven or atmospheric pieces might rely more on narrative description.

Dialogue distribution: It’s important to note that the percentage of dialogue doesn’t need to be consistent throughout the story. Some scenes may be dialogue-heavy, while others might contain no dialogue at all. The key is to vary the dialogue density to maintain reader interest and serve the story’s pacing.

Balancing act: The ideal percentage of dialogue should achieve a balance where conversations feel natural and purposeful, without overwhelming the narrative or leaving too many descriptive gaps.

To illustrate how dialogue percentage can vary across different types of short stories, consider the following table:

Story Type	Approximate Dialogue Percentage	Notes
Action-packed thriller	50-70%	High dialogue for rapid pacing and tension
Introspective literary piece	20-40%	More focus on internal thoughts and description
Character-driven drama	60-80%	Heavy reliance on interactions and conversations
Atmospheric horror	10-30%	Limited dialogue to build suspense and unease
Humorous sketch	70-90%	Dialogue-centric for comedic timing and exchanges

These percentages are approximate and can vary significantly based on individual stories and writing styles. The most important consideration is not adhering to a strict percentage, but ensuring that the amount of dialogue effectively serves the story’s purpose and engages the reader.

Writers should focus on crafting dialogue that advances the plot, reveals character, and enhances the overall narrative rather than aiming for a specific percentage. As you revise and edit your short story, pay attention to how the dialogue feels in relation to the rest of the text. If it seems too sparse or overwhelming, adjust accordingly to find the right balance for your specific narrative.

Why is dialogue quality more important than quantity?

In the realm of short story writing, the quality of dialogue consistently outweighs its quantity. This principle holds true across all genres and styles of fiction. High-quality dialogue can elevate a story, making it more engaging, believable, and impactful, regardless of how much or how little is used.

Authenticity and character voice: Quality dialogue captures the unique voices of characters, making them feel like real, distinct individuals. Each character should have their own speech patterns, vocabulary, and mannerisms that reflect their personality, background, and current emotional state. This authenticity helps readers connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Purposeful communication: Every line of dialogue in a short story should serve a purpose. It might reveal character traits, advance the plot, create tension, or provide necessary information. Quality dialogue is efficient, avoiding unnecessary small talk or exposition that doesn’t contribute to the story’s development.

Subtext and nuance: Skilled writers use dialogue to convey more than just the surface-level meaning of the words. Quality dialogue often contains subtext – the underlying emotions, motivations, or conflicts that aren’t explicitly stated. This adds depth to the story and engages readers in interpreting the characters’ true intentions.

Pacing and rhythm: Well-crafted dialogue can control the pacing of a story, creating tension or providing moments of relief. The rhythm of the conversation, including pauses, interruptions, and the interplay between speakers, can enhance the overall flow of the narrative.

Show, don’t tell: Quality dialogue allows writers to show character traits, relationships, and plot developments rather than telling the reader about them. This creates a more immersive and engaging reading experience.

Emotional impact: Powerful, well-written dialogue can evoke strong emotions in readers, whether it’s through a heartfelt confession, a heated argument, or a moment of vulnerability. The emotional resonance of quality dialogue can linger with readers long after they’ve finished the story.

Memorability: Memorable lines of dialogue can become the standout moments of a short story. These lines often encapsulate themes, reveal character insights, or provide pivotal plot turns in a concise and impactful way.

Natural flow: Quality dialogue sounds natural when read aloud, mimicking real speech patterns while still being more focused and purposeful than everyday conversation. This naturalness helps maintain the reader’s suspension of disbelief.

Cultural and contextual accuracy: Good dialogue reflects the cultural, historical, and social context of the story. It avoids anachronisms in historical fiction, captures the nuances of different dialects or sociolects, and respects the linguistic norms of the story’s setting.

Balance with narrative: High-quality dialogue integrates seamlessly with the narrative prose, creating a harmonious blend of conversation and description. It doesn’t overshadow other elements of the story but complements them.

To illustrate the importance of dialogue quality over quantity, consider these contrasting examples:

Example 1 (Quantity over Quality):

“Hi,” said John.
“Hi,” Mary replied.
“How are you?” John asked.
“I’m fine. How are you?” Mary responded.
“I’m good. Nice weather we’re having,” John commented.
“Yes, it’s lovely,” Mary agreed.

Example 2 (Quality over Quantity):

John hesitated before speaking. “Mary, I… I don’t know how to say this.”
Mary’s eyes narrowed. “Then don’t.”

In the first example, there’s more dialogue, but it doesn’t reveal anything about the characters or advance the plot. It’s generic and forgettable. In the second example, there are fewer words, but the dialogue creates tension, implies a history between the characters, and leaves the reader wanting to know more.

Ultimately, the goal in short story writing is to use dialogue judiciously and effectively. A story with minimal but powerful dialogue can be far more impactful than one filled with lengthy but meaningless conversations. By focusing on the quality of dialogue – its authenticity, purpose, and emotional resonance – writers can create short stories that truly resonate with readers, regardless of the quantity of dialogue used.

How can dialogue be balanced with other story elements?

Balancing dialogue with other story elements is a delicate art that requires careful consideration and practice. A well-balanced short story seamlessly integrates dialogue with narrative description, action, and internal thoughts to create a cohesive and engaging reading experience. Here are strategies for achieving this balance:

Interweaving dialogue and action: Combine spoken words with physical actions to create dynamic scenes. This technique, often called “action beats,” helps break up long stretches of dialogue and provides visual context for the conversation.

Example:
“I can’t believe you did that,” Sarah said, pacing the room. She paused at the window, her fingers drumming against the sill. “What were you thinking?”

Balancing external and internal dialogue: Mix spoken dialogue with a character’s internal thoughts to provide deeper insight into their motivations and reactions. This contrast can create tension between what a character says and what they’re really thinking.

Example:
“Of course I’m not upset,” Mark said, forcing a smile. But inside, he was seething. How could she be so oblivious?

Using dialogue to replace exposition: Instead of lengthy narrative explanations, use dialogue to reveal backstory, character relationships, or important plot information. This approach can make the delivery of crucial information more engaging and natural.

Example:
“Remember when we were kids,” Jake said, “and you pushed me into the lake? I never told you, but I couldn’t swim back then.”
Lisa’s eyes widened. “What? Why didn’t you say something?”

Alternating dialogue-heavy and dialogue-light scenes: Vary the density of dialogue throughout your story. Some scenes may be conversation-driven, while others might focus more on description or action. This variation helps maintain reader interest and controls the story’s pacing.

Integrating sensory details: Weave sensory descriptions into dialogue scenes to ground the conversation in the physical world and create a more immersive experience for the reader.

Example:
As they talked, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Maria inhaled deeply, savoring the scent before responding to John’s question.

Using dialogue to enhance atmosphere: Craft dialogue that reflects and reinforces the story’s mood or atmosphere. The way characters speak can contribute significantly to the overall tone of a scene or the entire story.

Example:
In a tense thriller scene:
“Where is it?” he hissed, his words barely audible over the pounding rain.
“I-I don’t know,” she stammered, eyes darting to the shadows behind him.

Balancing dialogue with narrative summary: Not every conversation needs to be written out in full. Use narrative summary to convey the gist of less important discussions, saving detailed dialogue for key moments.

Example:
They spent the next hour discussing their plans for the weekend, weighing the merits of various restaurants and activities. By the time they reached a decision, the sun had already set.

Utilizing silence and pauses: Remember that what’s not said can be as powerful as what is. Use moments of silence or hesitation to build tension, show character discomfort, or allow for reflection.

Example:
“Do you love me?” she asked.
He stared at her, mouth open, but no words came out. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken truths.

To further illustrate the balance of dialogue with other story elements, consider this comparison table:

Story Element	Purpose	Integration with Dialogue
Narrative Description	Sets the scene, provides context	Use brief descriptive passages between dialogue to ground the conversation in the setting
Action	Shows character behavior, advances plot	Intersperse action beats with dialogue to create dynamic scenes
Internal Thoughts	Reveals character motivations, creates depth	Alternate between spoken words and internal monologue to show contrast
Exposition	Provides necessary background information	Deliver exposition through natural-sounding dialogue rather than narrative dumps
Sensory Details	Creates immersion, enhances realism	Incorporate sensory information into dialogue scenes to enrich the reader’s experience

By skillfully balancing these elements, writers can create short stories that feel rich and well-rounded, using dialogue as one tool among many to craft a compelling narrative. The key is to ensure that each element complements the others, creating a harmonious whole that engages the reader from beginning to end.

Remember, the balance will vary depending on the specific needs of your story, its genre, and your personal writing style. Experiment with different approaches and pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your narrative. With practice, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of how to balance dialogue with other story elements to create the most effective and engaging short stories.

What are the dialogue considerations for different short story formats?

Different short story formats present unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to dialogue usage. Understanding these considerations can help writers tailor their approach to dialogue for maximum impact within the constraints of each format. Let’s explore the dialogue considerations for various short story formats:

Flash Fiction (typically under 1,000 words)

Concision is paramount: Every word of dialogue must serve multiple purposes, such as revealing character, advancing the plot, and setting the tone.
Dialogue should be sharp and impactful, often carrying subtext or deeper meaning.
Consider using a single, powerful line of dialogue as the story’s focal point or revelation.
Balance between dialogue and narrative is crucial; even a few lines of dialogue can significantly impact the word count.

Example:
“I never meant to hurt you,” he said.
She looked at the scar on her arm. “But you did.”

Short-Short Stories (1,000 to 2,500 words)

Dialogue can be used more freely than in flash fiction, but still needs to be purposeful.
Focus on key conversations that drive the story forward or reveal character depth.
Use dialogue to quickly establish character relationships and conflicts.
Blend dialogue with brief descriptive passages to create a fuller narrative experience.

Traditional Short Stories (Traditional Short Stories (2,500 to 7,500 words)**

More room for extended dialogue scenes and character interactions.
Opportunity to develop character voices more fully through varied conversations.
Can use dialogue to explore subplots or secondary character relationships.
Balance between dialogue, action, and description becomes more crucial.
Pacing can be controlled through alternating dialogue-heavy and dialogue-light sections.

Novelettes (7,500 to 17,500 words)

Dialogue can be used to delve deeper into character motivations and backstories.
Extended conversations can explore complex themes or ideas.
Multiple dialogue scenes can show character development over time.
Opportunity to use dialogue to create and resolve subplots.
Can experiment with different dialogue styles or techniques within the same story.

Novellas (17,500 to 40,000 words)

Dialogue can play a significant role in world-building, especially in speculative fiction.
Character relationships can be developed through multiple, evolving conversations.
Opportunity for more nuanced and layered dialogue that reveals character growth.
Can include longer dialogue scenes that explore complex ideas or conflicts.
Dialogue can be used to create and maintain tension over a longer narrative arc.

To illustrate how dialogue might be used differently across these formats, consider the following comparison:

Format	Dialogue Approach	Example
Flash Fiction	Single, impactful line	“I do,” she said, knowing it was a lie.
Short-Short	Brief, revealing exchange	“Where were you last night?” he asked. “Out,” she replied, not meeting his eyes. “With him?” The silence was answer enough.
Traditional Short Story	Extended scene with subtext	[A full scene of dialogue exploring a relationship conflict, revealing character traits and advancing the plot]
Novelette	Multiple conversations showing character arc	[Several dialogue scenes spread throughout the story, showing how a character’s attitude changes over time]
Novella	Complex dialogue exploring themes	[An extended dialogue scene delving into philosophical ideas or intricate plot points, with multiple characters contributing]

Regardless of the format, the key is to ensure that dialogue serves the story’s purpose within the given constraints. In shorter formats, every word of dialogue must pull its weight, while longer formats allow for more exploration and development through conversation.

How does dialogue contribute to character development and plot progression?

Dialogue is a powerful tool for both character development and plot progression in short stories. When crafted skillfully, it can reveal character traits, motivations, and relationships while simultaneously moving the story forward. Here’s how dialogue contributes to these crucial elements of storytelling:

Character Development

Revealing personality: A character’s word choice, speech patterns, and tone can instantly convey aspects of their personality, education level, and background.

Showing relationships: The way characters interact through dialogue reveals the dynamics of their relationships, including power structures, emotional connections, and shared history.

Exposing motivations: Characters often reveal their desires, fears, and goals through what they say – or what they choose not to say.

Demonstrating growth: Changes in a character’s dialogue over the course of a story can indicate personal growth or transformation.

Creating contrast: Differences in how characters speak can highlight their unique traits and create interesting dynamics within the story.

Example:
“I ain’t got time for your fancy book learnin’,” Tom growled, spitting on the ground.
Sarah sighed, adjusting her glasses. “Education isn’t about being fancy, Tom. It’s about improving oneself.”

This brief exchange reveals Tom’s anti-intellectual stance and possibly his insecurity, while showing Sarah’s patience and value for education.

Plot Progression

Conveying information: Dialogue can efficiently deliver crucial plot information without resorting to expository narration.

Creating conflict: Verbal confrontations or disagreements can introduce or escalate conflicts that drive the plot forward.

Foreshadowing: Subtle hints or seemingly innocuous comments in dialogue can set up future plot developments.

Revealing secrets: Plot twists or important revelations can be dramatically unveiled through dialogue.

Driving action: Characters’ decisions and actions are often initiated or influenced by conversations.

Example:
“The old Johnson place? It’s been abandoned for years,” Mike said, frowning.
“Not anymore,” Lisa replied, her eyes gleaming. “I saw lights there last night. And I heard… something.”
Mike’s face paled. “We need to tell the sheriff.”

This dialogue introduces a mystery, creates tension, and sets up the next action in the plot.

Integrating Character Development and Plot Progression

The most effective dialogue often serves both character development and plot progression simultaneously. Here are some techniques to achieve this:

Subtext: What characters don’t explicitly say can reveal their true feelings or intentions while also hinting at underlying conflicts or plot points.

Conflicting objectives: When characters with different goals interact, their dialogue can reveal their motivations while creating plot-driving tension.

Dramatic irony: Dialogue can create situations where the reader knows more than the characters, building suspense and anticipation for plot developments.

Character voice in exposition: When characters need to convey important plot information, doing so in their unique voice contributes to character development.

Dialogue as action: In some cases, speaking is the primary action of a scene, simultaneously revealing character and moving the plot forward.

Example integrating character development and plot progression:

“You can’t seriously be considering this,” Emma said, her voice tight with concern.
John’s fingers drummed on the table. “We need the money, Em. You know that.”
“But working for him? After what he did to your father?”
John’s jaw clenched. “Sometimes we have to make deals with devils.”
Emma’s eyes widened. “You’ve already agreed, haven’t you?”

This exchange reveals Emma’s cautious nature and her concern for John, while also showing John’s desperation and willingness to compromise his principles. Simultaneously, it advances the plot by introducing a morally ambiguous decision that John has made, setting up potential conflicts and consequences.

By carefully crafting dialogue that serves both character development and plot progression, writers can create efficient, engaging narratives that resonate with readers. The key is to ensure that every line of dialogue is purposeful, revealing something about the characters while also contributing to the overall story arc.

What are common dialogue pitfalls in short stories?

Even experienced writers can fall into certain traps when crafting dialogue for short stories. Recognizing and avoiding these common pitfalls can significantly improve the quality of your dialogue and, by extension, your entire narrative. Here are some of the most frequent dialogue mistakes and how to avoid them:

Overuse of dialogue tags: Constantly using “he said” or “she said” can become repetitive and disrupt the flow of conversation.

Solution: Use action beats to indicate who’s speaking, or let the character’s voice be distinct enough that tags aren’t always necessary.

Example:
Instead of:
“I can’t believe it,” John said.
“Neither can I,” Mary said.
“What should we do?” John said.

Try:
“I can’t believe it.” John ran a hand through his hair.
Mary shook her head. “Neither can I.”
“What should we do?”

Unnatural speech patterns: Dialogue that doesn’t reflect how people actually talk can pull readers out of the story.

Solution: Read your dialogue aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Study real conversations and how people actually speak.

Example:
Unnatural: “I am feeling quite perturbed by the current state of affairs in our household, dear brother.”
Natural: “This whole situation at home is really getting to me, bro.”

Info-dumping through dialogue: Using conversations to deliver large amounts of background information or exposition can feel forced and unnatural.

Solution: Break up necessary information across multiple conversations or scenes. Reveal information organically through character interactions and conflicts.

Lack of subtext: When characters always say exactly what they mean, dialogue can become flat and uninteresting.

Solution: Add layers to your dialogue by having characters imply things without stating them directly. Use subtext to create tension and depth.

Example:
Without subtext: “I’m angry that you forgot our anniversary.”
With subtext: “Oh, you’re home. I thought you might have been busy today. The reservation was for 7, by the way.”

Uniform character voices: When all characters sound the same, it becomes difficult for readers to distinguish between them and reduces their individuality.

Solution: Develop unique speech patterns, vocabulary, and mannerisms for each character based on their background, personality, and current emotional state.

On-the-nose dialogue: Dialogue that’s too direct or obvious can lack depth and fail to engage readers.

Solution: Allow for some ambiguity and interpretation. Let characters talk around issues rather than always addressing them head-on.

Example:
On-the-nose: “I’m sad because my dog died and I miss him.”
More nuanced: “The house feels so quiet now. I keep expecting to hear his paws on the hardwood.”

Overuse of character names: Characters repeatedly using each other’s names in conversation can sound unnatural.

Solution: Use names sparingly, mainly for emphasis or to get someone’s attention.

Phonetic spelling of accents or dialects: Overuse of phonetic spelling to indicate accents can be distracting and potentially offensive.

Solution: Suggest accents through word choice, syntax, and occasional dialect-specific terms rather than altering spelling.

Excessive small talk or pleasantries: While some small talk can add realism, too much can slow down the pace of the story.

Solution: Start scenes as late as possible and exit them early. Focus on the meat of the conversation that drives the story forward.

Redundant dialogue: Having characters repeat information the reader already knows can be tedious.

Solution: Find ways to add new information or emotional context when characters discuss known facts.

Neglecting non-verbal communication: Focusing solely on spoken words without considering body language, tone, or facial expressions can result in flat dialogue scenes.

Solution: Incorporate non-verbal cues to add depth and subtext to conversations.

Example:
“I’m fine,” she said, her shoulders tense and eyes avoiding his.

Monologuing: Long, uninterrupted speeches by a single character can be unrealistic and tedious.

Solution: Break up long speeches with reactions from other characters, internal thoughts, or action beats.

To illustrate how these pitfalls can affect dialogue, consider this comparison:

Dialogue with Pitfalls	Improved Dialogue
“Hello, John,” said Mary. “How are you today?” she asked. “I am well, Mary,” John replied. “And how are you on this fine day?” he inquired. “I am quite satisfactory, thank you for asking,” Mary responded.	Mary looked up from her book as John entered. “Hey.” John nodded, dropping his keys on the table. “Long day?” “You could say that.” She closed her book with a sigh.

The improved dialogue avoids unnecessary tags, uses more natural speech patterns, and incorporates non-verbal communication to create a more engaging and realistic exchange.

By being aware of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, writers can craft dialogue that feels authentic, serves the story, and engages readers more effectively. Remember, the goal is to create conversations that not only sound natural but also reveal character, advance the plot, and add depth to your short story.

How should dialogue be edited in short stories?

Editing dialogue in short stories requires a keen eye for detail and a good ear for natural speech patterns. The editing process is crucial for refining conversations, ensuring they serve the story’s purpose, and maintaining the reader’s engagement. Here are key strategies for effectively editing dialogue in short stories:

Read aloud: This is one of the most important steps in editing dialogue. Reading your dialogue aloud helps you catch awkward phrasing, unnatural rhythms, and inconsistencies in character voices.

Cut unnecessary words: In short stories, every word counts. Trim filler words, repetitions, and anything that doesn’t serve a specific purpose in the dialogue.

Example:
Before: “Well, um, I think that maybe we should probably consider going to the store, you know?”
After: “We should go to the store.”

Ensure each line serves a purpose: Every bit of dialogue should reveal character, advance the plot, or preferably both. If a line doesn’t do either, consider cutting or revising it.

Check for consistency in character voices: Make sure each character’s dialogue matches their established personality, background, and emotional state. Pay attention to vocabulary, sentence structure, and speech patterns.

Balance dialogue and narrative: Ensure there’s a good mix of dialogue, action, and description. Too much unbroken dialogue can become monotonous.

Vary sentence length and structure: Mix short, punchy lines with longer, more complex sentences to create rhythm and maintain reader interest.

Use contractions appropriately: Most characters will use contractions in casual speech. Lack of contractions can indicate formality or non-native speakers.

Eliminate dialogue tags where possible: Replace unnecessary tags with action beats or let the dialogue speak for itself when it’s clear who’s talking.

Check for overuse of names: In real conversations, people rarely use each other’s names repeatedly. Use names sparingly for emphasis or clarity.

Ensure subtext is present: Look for opportunities to add layers of meaning beneath the surface of the conversation.

Maintain proper formatting: Ensure each speaker’s dialogue begins a new paragraph and that punctuation is used correctly.

Consider the pacing: Dialogue can speed up or slow down the pace of your story. Edit with the overall pacing in mind.

Remove redundancies: If information has been conveyed through action or narrative, it usually doesn’t need to be repeated in dialogue.

Check for on-the-nose dialogue: Revise any dialogue that’s too direct or obvious. Allow for some ambiguity and subtext.

Ensure authenticity: Edit out any phrases or references that don’t fit the story’s time period, setting, or the character’s background.

Use dialect and slang judiciously: If using dialect or slang, make sure it’s consistent and not overused to the point of caricature.

To illustrate the editing process, consider this before-and-after example:

Before editing:
“Hey there, John,” said Mary. “How are you doing on this fine day?” she asked.
“Oh, hello Mary,” John replied. “I am doing well, thank you for asking. How about yourself?” he inquired politely.
“I’m doing just fine, thanks,” Mary responded. “Say, John, do you remember that we have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 2 PM in the conference room on the third floor?” she asked.
“Yes, Mary, I do remember that,” John said. “I have it written down in my planner. I’ll be there,” he added.

After editing:
Mary looked up from her desk. “John, got a sec?”
John paused in the doorway. “What’s up?”
“Tomorrow’s meeting.” Mary tapped her calendar. “You’re still good for 2, right?”
John nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

The edited version is more concise, natural-sounding, and dynamic. It removes unnecessary dialogue tags, cuts redundant information, and incorporates action beats to create a more engaging exchange.

When editing dialogue, it’s also helpful to consider the overall structure and flow of conversations within your short story. Here’s a checklist to use during the editing process:

Dialogue Editing Checklist:

Does the dialogue sound natural when read aloud?
Is each character’s voice distinct and consistent?
Does every line serve a purpose (character development, plot advancement, etc.)?
Is there a good balance between dialogue and other narrative elements?
Are dialogue tags used effectively and sparingly?
Is subtext present where appropriate?
Does the dialogue fit the story’s tone and pacing?
Are there opportunities to replace direct statements with more nuanced exchanges?
Is the formatting correct and consistent?

By systematically addressing these points during the editing process, you can significantly enhance the quality and effectiveness of the dialogue in your short story. Remember, good dialogue editing is about more than just correcting grammar or punctuation; it’s about refining the conversations to best serve your story and engage your readers.

How can non-verbal communication enhance dialogue in short fiction?

Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in enhancing dialogue in short fiction. It adds depth, context, and subtlety to conversations, allowing writers to convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions that may not be explicitly stated in the spoken words. Incorporating non-verbal cues effectively can significantly enrich the dialogue and overall narrative. Here’s how non-verbal communication can be used to enhance dialogue in short stories:

Body language: Characters’ physical movements and postures can reveal their true feelings or contradict their words.

Example: “I’m fine,” Sarah said, her arms tightly crossed over her chest.

Facial expressions: Subtle changes in a character’s face can convey a wealth of information about their emotional state.

Example: John’s eyebrow arched skeptically as he listened to Mary’s explanation.

Eye contact (or lack thereof): The way characters use their eyes during conversation can indicate attention, discomfort, attraction, or deception.

Example: As he spoke, Tom’s gaze darted around the room, never meeting Lisa’s steady stare.

Tone of voice: The way words are said can completely change their meaning.