DIALOGUE ASSIGNMENT

Write a two-page (double spaced) dialogue between two characters based on one of the
scenarios listed below (or one of your own if none of these appeals to you). Ideally there should
be a bit of conflict to liven things up a bit and make your people more real.
In order for your characters to be “real” you need to plan them out, building them like a
model kit from an assortment of available parts. Be sure to carefully complete the process work
that follows.
Hint: plan out your conversation in a point-form list of topics, problems, motivations, etc.
before you begin writing.

Possible situations:
Trapped in a mineshaft, phone booth, room with no doors or windows, etc.
Waiting in line (at a fast-food restaurant, MTO Office, tattoo parlour, etc.).
In a broken-down car in rush hour traffic, or on a deserted road in the middle of nowhere.
Standing at a graveside (fresh grave or old grave).
In a police line-up.
At the zoo, bus stop, train station, or on a park bench in the rain.
They’re lost, they’re late, or they’ve missed something (a landmark or appointment).
Defusing a bomb.
In a restroom, or waiting for a restroom.
At a family reunion where you/they desperately don’t want to be.
They’ve had a car accident or other random violent meeting.
Purchasing tools, a car, a house, a pet, a murder weapon, etc.​

Dialogue Success Criteria

Grammar & -Every speaker is given a new paragraph

Character - Each character is developed through their speech. The dialogue gives the
Building characters depth and history.
- language is appropriate for dialogue (no slang)
/20

Pacing - all dialogue contributes to the story’s forward progress (no fluff).
/10 - Tension is created - reader is engaged throughout.

Beats and Tags - tags are invisible

Character #2

Location

Brief plot Example: Chris and Mya are waiting in line at a restaurant. Chris starts to get impatient but Mya really wants to eat
there because it’s new and trendy. This situation is causing tension, which reveals some deeper issues in their
summary of relationship.
the dialogue

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