The elusive first real dialogue is hovering ... but I can still justifying delaying mom’s opening remarks with a little research on what makes good dialogue and how to generate it
Good dialogue is stripped right down to the basics needed for theatre – remove all those reality checks that infest real human dialogue and which can make getting to the point interminable.
Brit script writer Danny Stacks has got a great blog on the art of script writing – he says dialogue serves four purposes ...
Exposition is used to convey plot and character information – it should be used as ammunition by the speaker in order to “hurt or amuse or confront”.
Characterization ensures unique voice and point-of-view. When greeting someone Bart Simpson would offer his cheeky “Hey, how’s it hanging man?” while Dracula might unintentionally ham it up with “Greetings…” before chowing down on your neck.
Subtext begs an alternative emotional meaning - breakfast pleasantries like “how did you sleep?” “pass the toast” and “more coffee?” take on a whole different meaning if the audience is aware a couple has spent the whole night arguing.
Humour has a place in every life - and every character
On a completely different subject Stacks warns against the 10 most common cliché openings – like the quick murder
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