Dialogue Rules

Front

What is the purpose of dialogue in a narrative?

Back

Dialogue expresses and develops character, establishes the setting, advances the story, and deepens the conflict.

Front

How should dialogue be punctuated when a character speaks?

Back

Dialogue should be enclosed in quotation marks, with punctuation placed inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct way to use quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

Quotation marks should be used to indicate the exact words spoken by a character.

Front

What should you do each time the speaker changes in a narrative?

Back

You should indent the new line to indicate a change in speaker.

Front

What is an example of correct dialogue punctuation?

Back

The mother remarked, “Don’t forget to clean your room!”

Front

What is an example of incorrect dialogue punctuation?

Back

The mother remarked “Don’t forget to clean your room!” (missing comma before the quotation).

Front

What is the correct way to write dialogue that continues after a speaker tag?

Back

“I want some Cheetos,” I said, “so let’s go get some.”

Front

What is the function of a speaker tag in dialogue?

Back

A speaker tag identifies who is speaking and can provide context for the dialogue.

Front

What punctuation is used to indicate a pause in dialogue?

Back

Ellipses (...) can be used to indicate a pause or trailing off in dialogue.

Front

What is the difference between direct and indirect dialogue?

Back

Direct dialogue quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect dialogue paraphrases what was said.