You've probably noticed that the way people speak shows a lot about them. You may have observed, as well, that the words people choose to express themselves often depend on where they live, their level of education, and who is listening to them at the moment. When you create characters, you want them to be believable, so they should speak in a consistent way throughout the story--unless there is a reason for them to speak differently. For example, a not-very-studious ninth-grader wouldn't suddenly begin speaking like an English professor, and a NASA scientist speaking to a reporter probably wouldn't switch from proper language to street slang in the same interview.
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Besides revealing information about characters, dialogue can move a story along by showing how a character is responding to complications in the story. Below are two examples of dialogue, both for the same scene. Notice how differently they show Sam's character.
Example 1
Example 2
Hanna looked at Sam. "Where'd you get that pen?" They had just reached the bike rack.
Sam shrugged. "Five-finger discount."
"You mean you STOLE it? That's wrong. Besides, it's illegal!" Hanna said.
"Aw, stop whining like a baby," Sam growled, pushing his bicycle away from the rack. "You're always judging me."
"I am just so sick of you messing up." Hanna slammed her books down into her bicycle basket. "You have to grow up and start answering for your actions."
"So what are you gonna' do? Turn me in? Whoo-hoo, goodie-goodie Hanna," Sam taunted.
How might you describe the character Sam, based on this dialogue?
From what both Sam and Hanna say, Sam sounds pretty reckless and uncaring.
Hannah looked at Sam. "You mean you STOLE that pen?" They had just reached the bike rack.
"I guess I just forgot I had it." He straddled the bike. "You believe me, don't you?"
"But you know it's wrong to keep it," Hannah said.
"I know. I didn't mean to take it." Sam looked at Hannah, his eyes frightened. "But if I take it back, Ms. Jones'll think I meant to steal it."
"No, she won't," Hannah said. "She knows you're not a thief."
How might you describe the character Sam based on this dialogue?
In this sample, Sam sounds a lot nicer. He seems like someone who wants to do the right thing, and who cares about what others think of him.
