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How do you use dialogue to build characters?

Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing the nature of your characters and advancing the plot in your scripts. It's not about filling space or just storytelling; dialogue should shape who your characters really are. Linda Seger explains this perfectly in her book Advanced Screenplay, saying that dialogue should have subtext: what is said between the lines, an element that many people naturally use when communicating.

What is subtext and how to apply it?

Subtext gives depth to dialogue by expressing the unsaid. For example, if you want to know about the weekend of someone you're interested in, you might subtly mention a song from their story to probe, maintaining the mystery without being direct. This reveals intentions and emotions without overtly stating everything. Always try to ask yourself if your character would actually say something in a given situation, as subtext offers a layer of sophistication to the narrative.

How do famous scripts use dialogue?

Tina Fey exemplifies the effective use of dialogue in "Mean Girls." The famous line "It's so fetch" is not only iconic but revealing. These lines show who the characters really are. The conversation between Karen, Regina, and Gretchen is more than just a joke; it reveals Karen's level of privilege and unfamiliarity with other cultures. Gretchen, on the other hand, tries to show education without losing her privileged perspective. All this dynamism in the dialogue shapes the characters without the need for direct exposition.

Practical tips for writing effective dialogue

Writing effective dialogue requires practice and attention to certain tips that can significantly improve your technique.

How to get to the point in a scene?

One of the most valuable tips is "be late and leave early". You don't need to show every detail of a scene for it to have impact. Start at the key point in the conversation and end when you've gotten what you need to move the plot forward. This keeps the pace up and avoids exhausting the audience with unnecessary details.

Why is it better to show than tell?

Take advantage of the fact that film and television are visual media. If you can show an action instead of explaining something through dialogue, do it. This not only makes the narrative more dynamic but also builds your characters better, showing them in action rather than just describing them.

How to use extra characters for exposition?

Quentin Tarantino and the Coen brothers have a brilliant technique for handling exposition: they use extra characters, characters who seemingly shouldn't be privy to the protagonist's information. For example, in "The Big Lebowski" a butler is used to extract vital information in a natural way, making the audience receive the exposition without feeling overwhelmed.

How to avoid repetition in dialogue?

Each line of dialogue should be clear and purposeful. Don't repeat the same idea unnecessarily; be sure to condense your message into as few words as possible. Especially in choral narratives, such as "Mean Girls," it's critical that each character has a unique and distinctive voice.

What is the "Pope in the Pool"?

This device, created by Blake Snyder, involves making crucial exposition scenes vibrant and exciting by introducing a surprising element. Thus, while the Pope is in a pool, complex concepts are explained in an entertaining way. A brilliant example is "The Big Short," which uses famous personalities to make difficult topics understandable while in unexpected contexts, such as Margot Robbie in the bathtub teaching about economics.

These concepts and techniques give you the tools you need to write powerful and effective dialogue, revealing the essence of your characters and keeping your audience engaged and wanting to know more. Keep writing and perfecting the art of screenwriting.