Dialogue

⚠️ ​It MUST help the plot in some way; ⚠️

otherwise, it's not useful and should be taken out.

​

Yes, characters have conversations throughout the story. However, when you're the writer, it's your job to use dialogue to:

• ​Show character personalities

• ​Explain setting or plot events

​

⚠️ If characters are talking, but it doesn't move the plot, change it! ⚠️​

Dialogue Example #1

How is this use of dialogue helpful to the plot?

(​Discuss.)

​Dialogue Example #2

This use of dialogue is NOT helpful to the plot. Why not?

(​Discuss.)

Exposition

⚠️ ​The beginning; where readers ⚠️

get to know the characters and setting.

​

When you're the writer, it's your job to use exposition to:

• ​Introduce characters and their personalities

• Establish the setting (place AND time)

• Provide background information about what the characters' lives are like BEFORE the conflict begins for them.

• ​Introduce the conflict with the inciting incident

​

​⚠️ If it doesn't help the plot move forward, change it! ⚠️

​Exposition Example #1

This exposition is helpful to the plot. Why?

(​Discuss.)

​Exposition Example #2

Which parts of this exposition should be changed?

(​Discuss.)

​To summarize ...

​Dialogue in a narrative should:

• ​​Show character personalities

​

• ​Explain setting or plot events

​

​OR

​

• ​Be changed if it doesn't do either

The exposition should:

• ​Introduce characters and personalities

​

• Establish the setting (place AND time)

​

• Provide background info about characters' lives BEFORE the conflict

​

• ​Introduce the conflict with the inciting incident