Creating Unique Voices with Dialogue

One of the best ways to characterize is through dialogue. The way people speak, the things they say—and think … it shows the reader who the characters are. It shows what they care about and what they think of the world or their situation.

Here is an example of two characters from my book Captives. Notice how very different their dialogue is. It reflects how very different they are from each other.

       “Hi, Mason.” Jemma looked up from the flowers and smiled. “How are you today?”
       “Fine. Looking for Omar.” Unlike most people, when Jemma asked, “How are you?” she truly wanted to know. But if Mason had answered truthfully, Jemma would insist on more information. And Mason had no time for Jemma’s compassion today. “Have you seen him?”
       “Not since the harvest field this morning,” she said. “I hope you find him. Levi says your father might have made him a match.”
       “Yes, well, my father and Levi’s enthusiasm in this matter only enforces my skepticism.”
       “Mason.” After staring at the centerpiece for a moment, Jemma pulled a mule’s ear from her hand and threaded the flower into the arrangement. “You should be happy for Omar. Getting married would be wonderful for him.”
       “I’m not unhappy. I simply see no point in celebrating that which has not yet taken place.”
       Jemma practically sang her reply. “ ‘You can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.’ ”
       Mason frowned, pondering her words. “That’s not yours, is it?”
       “Anne of Green Gables, one of my favorite Old books. And Anne is right. So go find Omar so you can celebrate.”
       Mason left without offering a reply and made his way back across the square to the stage. He suspected his brother would have many baffling encounters with his new bride. How women could find joy in the marriage of complete strangers, Mason would never understand.

In Captives, Jemma is a bubbly, happy person. A romantic, who refuses to be hopeless. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Mason is practical and busy. And blunt.

Here are some examples you might recognize:

“Farewell, Daughter of Eve,” said he.”Perhaps I may keep the handkerchief?”
(The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis)

“Easy, Ponyboy. They ain’t gonna hurt you no more.”
“I know,” I said, but the ground began to blur and I felt hot tears running down my cheeks. I brushed them away impatiently. “I’m just a little spooked, that’s all.” I drew in a quivering breath and quit crying. You just don’t cry in front of Darry. Not unless you’re hurt like Johnny had been that day we found him in the vacant lot. Compared to Johnny I wasn’t hurt at all.
(The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton)

“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
(Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery)

“No one wants to upset me! That’s a good one!” howled Myrtle. “My life was nothing but misery at this place and now people come along ruining my death!”
(Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling)

“Don’t you ‘what Mama’ me, you little Saumensch!”
(The Book Thief by Markus Zusak)

Mr. Neck: “We meet again.”
Me:
Would he listen to “I need to go home and change,” or “Did you see what that bozo did”? Not a chance. I keep my mouth shut.
Mr. Neck: “Where do you think you’re going?”
Me:
It’s easier not to say anything. Shut your trap, button your lip, can it.
(Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson)

Also, Stephanie is giving away a copy of The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet on the blog of our friend, Roseanna M. White. If you’re wanting to win a copy, hop on over there!