How to Write Dialogue That Drives Your Story Forward
Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools a writer has to bring a story to life. It reveals character, builds tension, and can move your plot forward in subtle or dramatic ways. But writing dialogue that feels authentic while also serving your story isn’t always easy.
If you’ve ever struggled with flat conversations, dialogue that feels like filler, or characters that all sound the same, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at how to write dialogue that captivates your readers and drives your story forward.
Give Your Dialogue a Purpose
Every piece of dialogue should serve a purpose in your story. Whether it’s revealing a character’s motivation, deepening a relationship, creating conflict, or providing important information, your dialogue must move the story forward.
Ask yourself:
What does this conversation reveal about my character?
How does this dialogue push the story along?
Can this information be shown through action instead of dialogue?
If you find that a conversation doesn’t serve a clear purpose, consider cutting it or rewriting it to add value.
Differentiate Your Characters’ Voices
Your characters shouldn’t all sound the same. They each have their own background, personality, and perspective—and their dialogue should reflect that.
Ways to differentiate voice:
Use unique vocabulary or phrases for each character.
Consider their upbringing, education, and personality.
Play with sentence length and rhythm. For example, a fast-talking character might use short, clipped sentences, while a more thoughtful character might speak in longer, more measured phrases.
When done well, readers should be able to tell who’s speaking without dialogue tags.
Show, Don’t Tell Through Dialogue
Great dialogue is a powerful way to show readers what’s happening rather than telling them. Instead of having a character say, "I’m angry," you could show it through their words and tone:
"I can't believe you did that. After everything?" Her voice shook, low and hard.
This approach makes the emotion more palpable and draws readers deeper into the scene.
Use Subtext to Create Tension
Subtext is what’s not being said but is felt between the lines. It’s a subtle yet powerful tool that can heighten tension, add layers to your story, and make readers lean in.
For example, if two characters are arguing about who forgot to lock the door, but the real issue is a crumbling marriage, the words exchanged may be about the door — but the tension beneath is about something much deeper.
Try writing a scene where two characters talk about one thing on the surface but are really communicating something else beneath the dialogue.
Cut the Fluff
In real life, conversations are full of small talk and pleasantries—but in fiction, they slow down your pacing. Readers don’t need every "hello, how are you?" Instead, get to the point and keep the conversation tight.
For Example:
❌ “Hi, how was your day?”
✅ “You didn’t come home last night. Where were you?”
The second line has immediate tension and stakes, pulling readers in.
Balance Dialogue and Action
Pure dialogue without any action or setting can feel like characters are talking in a void. Ground your dialogue in the scene by adding body language, setting descriptions, and physical movement.
For Example:
“I’m leaving,” she said.
He didn’t look up. “You always say that.”
She gripped the doorknob, knuckles white. “This time I mean it.”
This example blends action and dialogue, making the scene feel vivid and alive.
Read It Out Loud
One of the quickest ways to identify awkward or unnatural dialogue is to read it out loud. When you hear it, you'll immediately notice if it feels stilted or clunky. Smooth it out until it sounds natural.
Writing strong dialogue is a skill that takes practice, but when done well, it can electrify your story, deepen your characters, and keep readers turning the page. Focus on writing dialogue that reveals, propels, and captivates — and watch your story come to life.
Want feedback on your dialogue? Consider a manuscript review to ensure your dialogue and story’s structure feels natural throughout your book.
