VIII. Dialogue Effectivity Strategies

Three important methods for effectivizing dialogue (taken from two readings):

1. "Good dialogue gives us the sense that we are eavesdropping" on the characters: they're saying their own thoughts, not reciting canned speeches.
2. In writing dialogue, "You're not reproducing actual speech--you're translating the sound and rhythm of what a character says into words." You have to make sure the words flow naturally, rather than sounding forced (unless your character naturally talks like that).
3. Dialogue in scripts should either "reveal characters' relationships to one another" or "move the story forward." Otherwise, it's wasting space.