Writing Dialogue
Understand how to write characters speaking using correct punctuation and reporting clauses.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Dialogue is the words characters say, enclosed in inverted commas (speech marks).
A new paragraph begins each time a different character speaks.
A reporting clause tells who is speaking and how (e.g. "she said", "he whispered").
Punctuation inside the speech marks: commas, full stops, and question marks all go before the closing mark.
Key Vocabulary
dialogue
The words spoken between characters in a story.
inverted commas
The punctuation marks (" ") used to show the exact words spoken.
reporting clause
The phrase that identifies who is speaking (e.g. "said Tom").
paragraph
A group of sentences about the same idea; a new line and indent begin each paragraph.
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which sentence correctly punctuates dialogue?
Question 2
When should you begin a new paragraph in a dialogue?
Question 3
What is the role of the reporting clause?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Dialogue is the words characters say, enclosed in inverted commas (speech marks).
- ●A new paragraph begins each time a different character speaks.
- ●A reporting clause tells who is speaking and how (e.g. "she said", "he whispered").
- ●Punctuation inside the speech marks: commas, full stops, and question marks all go before the closing mark.