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51Dialogue_Types
Direct Dialogue can be defined as specific words, requiring quotes, spoken between characters in
real-time action. Dialogue can be used to provide story details, further action, provide insight into the
speaker, give insight/feelings about other characters, etc.
“Harry’s a little shit.”
Interior Monologue consists of sustained thoughts as if spoken inside the character’s head, again with
no quotes required. It appears very similar to stories narrated in the first person.
It would be so easy to telephone him. Then I’d know. It would be so easy to do.
Dramatic Monologue consists of an individual speaking aloud to no one, a specific individual, or
possibly to god. Hamlet’s soliloquy is perhaps the most well known.
I’ll shoot you fifty points if you spot me ten balls. Isn’t that a laugh? You spotting me.
Written Narration can take such forms such as a letter, a diary, a log, or even a newspaper column.
Notice that written forms parallel the spoken word. Letters are like communication; a diary is like speaking
to an unknown person or God.
Thought is … well … self explanatory. Thought is not interior monologue. When thought comes in sharp
contrast to the prior wording, it require quotes and uses an attribution.
Dialogue
Dialogue is communication from a character or between characters.
“Harry’s a little shit,” he thought. OR He couldn’t help thinking that Harry was a little shit.