Writing Dialogue with Subtext
Scenario:
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Two inanimate objects (e.g. pants/belt, car/garage, cup/saucer) are having a conversation.
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Object one is jealous of something object two can do.
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Object two thinks object one should stop complaining and focus on their strengths.
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Show the characters differing outlooks through subtext (don’t write their conflict directly).
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Let their action and emotions create tension as they skirt around the real issues.
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The Writing:
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Using dialogue only, write half a page of conversation between the characters.
Writing Dialogue to Reveal Character
Scenario:
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Two friends are browsing in a department store when one slips an item into their pocket.
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The Writing:
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Write three half-page conversations (dialogue) between the friends and, through what they say to each other, convey the following range of emotions:
1. surprise, admiration, encouragement.
2. shock, fear, guilt.
3. anger, judgement, resentment.
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Select gestures and facial expressions to assist with conveying the emotions; use only 'said/asked/replied'
for the attribution, and avoid exclamation marks: show through actions, description, and the dialogue.
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