Learning how to punctuate dialogue will give your manuscript a polished and professional look. It sets a tone to the editors, publishers, and agents that you have went through the process of learning the craft and take your writing serious.
Commas
Commas are used with dialogue more than any other punctuation mark.
Examples:
- “The ice-cream slid off my cone,” he said. (Correct)
- He said, “The ice-cream slid off my cone.” (Correct)
- “The ice-cream slid off my cone.” He said. (Incorrect)
- He said. “The ice-cream slid off my cone.” (Incorrect)
Question Mark and Exclamation Point
In the event that a question mark or exclamation point is used, there should not be a comma and the dialogue tag should not be capitalized.
Example:
- “Did you tell Fred about the money?” he said. (Correct)
- “Did you tell Fred about the money?” He said. (Incorrect)
Dialogue Tag
- A dialogue tag references the way the words come out of the characters mouth.
- Expressions, movements, etc. needs to be set apart from the dialogue by the use of a period, no comma should be used.
Example:
- “Look at the sky,” he exclaimed. (Correct)
- “Look at the sky,” he pointed. (Incorrect)
Laugh or Sighing
It is incorrect to laugh or sigh in dialogue.
Example: Sighing
- “For god’s sake,” he said, sighing. (Correct)
- “For god’s sake,” he sighed. (Incorrect)
Example: Laugh
- “Look at his hair.” She laughed. (Correct)
- “Look at his hair,” she laughed. (Incorrect)
Dialogue is used in middle of a character speaking
In the event that a dialogue is used in middle of a character speaking, the dialogue is capitalized after the tag. The only time the tag would be capitalized is when it starts a new sentence.
Example:
- “I got home last night,” she said, “and I found Dave drunk passed out on the couch.” (Correct)
- “I got home last night,” she said, “And I found Dave drunk passed out on the couch.” (Incorrect)
Note: Notice the difference between the two sentences above, and you will notice that the letter Y is not capitalized in the word you’re. The Y is not capitalized because it is one sentence.
- “I got a headache,” he said. “Drank to many beers last night.” (Correct)
- “I got a headache,” he said, “drank to many beers last night.” (Incorrect)
Note: Notice the difference between the two sentences above, and you will notice the letter D is capitalized in the word drank. The D is capitalized because it starts a new sentence.
Interrupted Dialogue
Use the Em Dash if the dialogue is interrupted by another speaker.
Example:
- “I can’t stand when you are-“ “Shut up!” he said. (Correct)
- “I can’t stand when you are…” “Shut up! He said. (Incorrect)
Note: In the first example the first speaker was interrupted, and to show the interruption an Em Dash is required.
Trailing Dialogue
The use of Ellipsis is required if a character trails off when speaking.
Example:
- “I think I need help…” (Correct)
- “I think I need help……..” (Incorrect)
Note: An Ellipsis is created by placing three Periods in a role.
Dialogue in Multiple Paragraphs
In the event that a dialogue runs for several paragraphs, quotations marks are only required at the beginning of each paragraph and only use the quotations at the end of the last paragraph.
Example:
- “I am sorry. I have got a problem and I need help. I admit I am an alcoholic. I don’t know what to do anymore. Please help me. “Unless, of course, you want to leave me, if so, I will I will understand. I’ll walk away and you never see me again.” (Correct)
Note: In the example notice that no quotation mark was used at the end of the first paragraph.
Summary
Master the art of punctuation dialogue, and it will do wonders for your writing. Your writing will look professional, giving the impression you know the rules. Correct punctuation produces more vivid and stronger writing. It allows the reader to quickly follow the narration without getting confused. You never want a reader to backtrack and reread a sentence. The reader will get tired and frustrated. Learning the simple rules of punctuation is a basic need that all writers should master. Study and learn, and the best way to learn is by reading and writing.
Follow. Up-Vote. Resteem.
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