Dialogue
In short: Dialogue is the characters' spoken word. Good dialogue characterizes, drives the plot, and lives above all on what is left unsaid.
Where the term comes from
The Greek „dialogos“ means „conversation“. The form became famous through Plato's dialogues, in which Socrates leads his partners to insight through questions – dialogue as a way to set thought in motion.
How to write living dialogue
Not like real life: Real conversation is full of filler. Literary dialogue is condensed – it leaves out the trivial.
Every character sounds different: Word choice, rhythm and tone should reveal who is speaking – even without „she said“.
Build in subtext: The strongest dialogue isn't about what is being discussed. Characters often talk past each other.
Dialogue on Fireside
Fireside automatically translates every story into the second language. Clear, natural dialogue translates well; very strong dialect or wordplay is more easily lost. The AI editorial feedback gives you a second opinion on your dialogue.
Related terms: Subtext · Characterization · Show, don't tell · Pacing
Frequently asked questions
How do I write good dialogue?
Condensed and character-specific: cut the filler, give each character a distinct voice, and put subtext beneath the words.
How do I mark who is speaking?
Through sparing speech tags („she said“) and, above all, an unmistakable voice for each character.
How do I punctuate dialogue in English?
Put the spoken words in quotation marks and place commas and full stops inside them: „I'm leaving,“ she said. Start a new paragraph whenever the speaker changes.