Why have dialogue

– Advance the plot

– Reveal the character

– Engage/ Entertain the audience

– Reveal subtext

1: If dialogue isn’t doing one of these things GET RID

2: Don’t just start at the beginning of the conversation

3: Use dialogue to show, not just to tell <– AVOID THIS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

4: Try to show as much as you can without dialogue

5: Use subtext to imply deeper emotional issues

6: If you really need to tell, try bringing in an outsider

7: Treat dialogue as you would the narrative as a whole

STRUCTURE IT. BUILD.

Opening -> Conflict -> Climax -> Resolution