I’m excited to announce that this Friday, September 24, is National Punctuation Day! In honor of this occasion, I thought I would share some punctuation tips regarding dialogue.
One literary device many writers use is dialogue, having their characters speak. It’s sort of like eavesdropping for the reader, being outside the conversation but knowing what is said. Dialogue is useful for moving the plot along and for making the characters appear real.
When it is time to punctuate dialogue, certain rules apply. One major rule is that each time there is a change in the speaker, a new paragraph is begun to separate one speaker from the next. While there might be a long paragraph with only one character speaking, if any other voice interjects, a whole new paragraph is required to signify that a different character has something to say. Written dialogue may look much like the following:
“I say,” said the star to the gulf waters, “your beach is deserted today. Perhaps I should increase my radiance and send more light and warmth to the world.”
The green-blue waves below replied, “You are right on, Yellow Sun. It would be good to see friends today, and they are likely to come to the shore if you are brightly shining.”
A seagull in flight overheard the two speaking and thought, “Yes, lots of bread and tasty corn chips… good food to be tossed my way when the sun is bright and humans come to the beach.”
Three particular rules apply to the imaginary dialogue above. New paragraphs begin for each new speaker; quotation marks show the words spoken or thought; and the third rule is that italics indicate when the speaker’s words are thought instead of said aloud. Note also that commas are placed inside the quotation marks. Using dialogue enhances written work, brings it to life; and punctuating dialogue is easier than might be supposed.
One literary device many writers use is dialogue, having their characters speak. It’s sort of like eavesdropping for the reader, being outside the conversation but knowing what is said. Dialogue is useful for moving the plot along and for making the characters appear real.
When it is time to punctuate dialogue, certain rules apply. One major rule is that each time there is a change in the speaker, a new paragraph is begun to separate one speaker from the next. While there might be a long paragraph with only one character speaking, if any other voice interjects, a whole new paragraph is required to signify that a different character has something to say. Written dialogue may look much like the following:
“I say,” said the star to the gulf waters, “your beach is deserted today. Perhaps I should increase my radiance and send more light and warmth to the world.”
The green-blue waves below replied, “You are right on, Yellow Sun. It would be good to see friends today, and they are likely to come to the shore if you are brightly shining.”
A seagull in flight overheard the two speaking and thought, “Yes, lots of bread and tasty corn chips… good food to be tossed my way when the sun is bright and humans come to the beach.”
Three particular rules apply to the imaginary dialogue above. New paragraphs begin for each new speaker; quotation marks show the words spoken or thought; and the third rule is that italics indicate when the speaker’s words are thought instead of said aloud. Note also that commas are placed inside the quotation marks. Using dialogue enhances written work, brings it to life; and punctuating dialogue is easier than might be supposed.
Enjoy National Punctuation Day!
See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! My next entry is coming soon. ‘Til then, hang ten!
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