Mastering the Art of Dialogue

So, you want to attract A-list talent to your screenplay? You've got the most incredible story ever told, with action galore, but your characters just aren't believable.

Mastering character voices in screenwriting is essential, especially if you're aiming for top-tier actors.

It's not enough for characters to simply exist; they must speak, act, and evolve in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.

Some of the best films ever made feature unforgettable characters that stand the test of time. If you want top talent to work on your project, you MUST have compelling characters.

Understand Your Characters Deeply:

Before you can craft distinct voices, you need to know your characters inside and out. This means developing their backgrounds, personalities, and motivations. Ask yourself questions like:

• Who are they? How do they move in the world you've crafted for them?
• What are their likes and dislikes?
• Do they have any ticks or quirks?
• What is their upbringing?
• What are their core values and beliefs?
• What are their fears, desires, and secrets?

The more you flesh out your characters, the more natural their voices will become.

For instance, a character who grew up in a strict household may speak formally and with restraint, while a rebellious teen might use slang and sarcasm.

Differentiate Through Dialogue:

One of the most effective ways to distinguish characters is through their dialogue. Pay attention to:

• Vocabulary: Choose words that reflect their education, background, and personality.
• Syntax: How do they construct sentences? Are they concise or verbose? Do they use complex sentences or simple ones?
• Tone: Is their speech formal or informal? Do they use humor, irony, or sarcasm?

• Subtext: Subtext is the underlying meaning or message in a piece of writing, dialogue, or conversation that isn't explicitly stated. It is expertly crafted when spoken words clash with visual cues, creating a richer, more layered understanding of the character's emotional state.

By varying these elements, you create distinct voices that make each character unique.

Go Easy on the Exposition:

• Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of having characters explain their plans or feelings, show them through their actions and interactions. For example, rather than saying, "I'm going to confront him," show the character marching up to someone with a determined expression.

• Use Natural Dialogue

Let your dialogue flow naturally. People don’t usually narrate their thoughts or plans. Focus on how people actually speak, with pauses, subtext, and indirect communication.

• Reveal Through Actions

Characters' actions often speak louder than words. If a character is anxious about a meeting, show them pacing, fidgeting, or glancing at the clock frequently. These actions reveal their state of mind without explicit exposition.

• Trust Your Audience

Trust that your audience can pick up on subtle cues and piece together the story. You don’t need to spell everything out.

A well-crafted scene can convey complex emotions and intentions without heavy-handed exposition. Well-written dialogue can create the page-turning tension you want from your reader.

Allow for Growth and Evolution:

Characters need to learn, grow, and evolve throughout your story.

If they possess all the wisdom of the writer from the start, they can't evolve. To create a compelling narrative:

• Start with Flaws and Limitations: Give your characters room to grow. Flaws and limitations make them relatable and set the stage for their development.
• Show Their Journey: Allow characters to make mistakes, face challenges, and learn from their experiences. This progression is what makes their evolution believable and satisfying.
• Reflect Changes in Their Voice: Their voices should change as characters evolve. A character who starts out na?ve might use simpler language and exhibit uncertainty. As they gain experience and confidence, their speech might become more assertive and sophisticated.

Whether antagonist or protagonist, understand that light and shadow are inherent in all beings. No character will ever be purely good or entirely bad. Layering complex emotions allows us to connect deeply with your creations, as we can empathize with their journey.

Listen to Real Conversations:

To write believable dialogue, listen to how people speak in real life. Pay attention to the nuances, interruptions, and imperfections in everyday conversations. This can help you create dialogue that feels natural and authentic.

Craft Unique Voices for Each Character:

Often, when we read screenplays, many characters sound exactly alike. It doesn't matter if they're friends or family; no one speaks in the same cadence.

You must craft characters that are easily distinguishable from their dialogue. Think of some of the greatest films you've seen; you could close your eyes and know exactly which character is speaking.

Iconic lines like "Here's looking at you, kid" from CASABLANCA or "Say hello to my little friend" from SCARFACE are unforgettable because they perfectly capture the unique voices of Rick Blaine and Tony Montana.

Wrapping Up

Writing is rewriting. Your first draft is just the beginning. Go back and refine your dialogue, ensuring each character’s voice is consistent and believable.

Look for places where characters’ voices might blend together and make necessary adjustments. Creating believable character voices takes time and effort, but it's worth it.

Angelique Letizia

Starr Team