Post by MDGeistMD02 on Mar 24, 2015 23:14:52 GMT -6
I have a question, which may seem odd. It concerns dialogue spoken by characters as opposed to a question about characters themselves. If this seems like the wrong thread to submit this query, please let me know and I shall move it. 
Anyway, the question I have about dialogue is this:
Does dialogue always have to be something that drives the plot forward, or be somehow integral to story itself?
I read a few 'advice columns' about dialogue recently, and they seem to share a thought that all dialogue should 'serve a purpose' in the story, otherwise its just pages and pages of wasted words.
The next part of these columns is what make me chuckle, because a lot of what these self-styled 'advisors' complain about, particularly within their own writing is that the dialogue of their characters is one of the hardest things to write, the 'ball and chain around their necks', or some such other dramatic drivel. They grouse about being unable to make their characters sound 'real' or alive, but want to make every word count and get rid of excess speech/dialogue.
This to me defeats the purpose of actually WRITING dialogue. In my own fics I will admit that I have have a plethora of dialogue, sometimes perhaps a bit TOO much. However, the way I write and what I actually have my characters say seems (at least to me) to bring them to life more than anything else.
My OCs cuss, bicker, whine, complain, jest, coo, bitch, yell, and tell horrible jokes. They go on and on about nothing at all, or perhaps tell their deepest fears or secrets. They communicate as everyday people do. This to me is more meaningful than 'driving the plot onward'.
I've always thought that WAS the point OF dialogue: to have your characters express their thoughts and just be themselves. And more importantly... to ENTERTAIN THE READER.
Anybody else?
Anyway, the question I have about dialogue is this:
Does dialogue always have to be something that drives the plot forward, or be somehow integral to story itself?
I read a few 'advice columns' about dialogue recently, and they seem to share a thought that all dialogue should 'serve a purpose' in the story, otherwise its just pages and pages of wasted words.
The next part of these columns is what make me chuckle, because a lot of what these self-styled 'advisors' complain about, particularly within their own writing is that the dialogue of their characters is one of the hardest things to write, the 'ball and chain around their necks', or some such other dramatic drivel. They grouse about being unable to make their characters sound 'real' or alive, but want to make every word count and get rid of excess speech/dialogue.
This to me defeats the purpose of actually WRITING dialogue. In my own fics I will admit that I have have a plethora of dialogue, sometimes perhaps a bit TOO much. However, the way I write and what I actually have my characters say seems (at least to me) to bring them to life more than anything else.
My OCs cuss, bicker, whine, complain, jest, coo, bitch, yell, and tell horrible jokes. They go on and on about nothing at all, or perhaps tell their deepest fears or secrets. They communicate as everyday people do. This to me is more meaningful than 'driving the plot onward'.
I've always thought that WAS the point OF dialogue: to have your characters express their thoughts and just be themselves. And more importantly... to ENTERTAIN THE READER.
Anybody else?
