Punctuation When Writing Dialogue

Tuesday

Knowing how to use punctuation when writing dialogue is one of the first story-writing concepts taught in fourth-grade curriculums. However, it's really easy to forget the basic rules for using punctuation when writing dialogue. These simple examples will help you understand basic dialogue writing rules as you navigate your characterization processes in your novel or short story. 

What is Dialogue?

Dialogue is the written expression of speech between two or more characters in a novel, short story, novella, or other writing work. It is used to: 

  • Describe what is happening in a particular part of a story
  • Build character relationships
  • Properly execute characterization
  • Properly execute character development 

Parts of a Dialogue Sentence

When writing dialogue, there will be one or two parts to any given line. These are called the quote and the quote tag. 

The Quote

The quote is the part of your sentence that notes character speech (what a character is currently saying). The quote should always be enclosed in quotation marks (" "). Example:

        "Roger, what are you doing?"

The Quote Tag

The quote tag is used by the writer to tell the reader who is speaking or how the exchange is taking place emotionally: 

        Sally said gracefully.

How to Use a Quote Tag

Quote tags are optional and used according to the writer's discretion. Generally, it is a good idea to use a mix of quotes with and without quote tags in your writing to keep the dialogue realistic but also help the reader follow along with who is speaking. 

Whenever a different character begins to speak, always use a new line to start your new quote. This helps readers know that an exchange of dialogue is taking place between characters.

Use quote tags when dialogue becomes long, confusing, or a change in emotions occurs. A reader will know who is speaking based on who spoke first. Each successive new line is just switching between characters. 

How to Use Punctuation in Dialogue

Punctuation is important in dialogue as it allows a reader to follow along easily. It's easy to remember to always put your quote in quotation marks. But there are other punctuation rules to follow as well that can become tricky. 

Using a Comma to End a Quote

When you will be using a quote tag, always use a comma at the end of your quote inside the closing quotation mark. The comma represents the end of your quote and the introduction of your quote tag. Example:

        “Ah, Margie! I’m glad I ran into you,” the woman said deviously.

After the word you, there is a comma followed by the closing quotation mark. Place your quote tag (the woman said deviously) after this. 

Using Punctuation End Marks Inside Quotes

What happens when your quote ends with a question or excitement? In the same way that you would end a regular sentence, use the corresponding question mark or exclamation mark to end your quote. Place this punctuation mark inside your quote. Example:

        "Can I have this?"
 
If you will be using a quote tag, proceed in the same way. Place your quote tag after the closing quotation mark. There is no need to capitalize the first word of your quote tag. Because the end punctuation (?/!) is occurring inside a quote, the quote tag is still part of the same sentence. In other words, ending a quote with a question mark or an exclamation point does not end the entire sentence when a quote tag is used. Therefore, there is no need to capitalize the proceeding quote tag. Example:

        "What are you doing?" asked Jenna.
        "The house is on fire!" screamed Molly.

Using Periods in Quotes

When using a quote tag, do not end your sentence quote with a period. If there is no quote tag, you may use a period. Below is an incorrect example of what not to do when ending a sentence quote. 

        "I don't like that." Said Joe. 

The quote should not end with a period when there is a tag (said Joe), and the tag should not be capitalized unless it's a noun. The proper example is as follows:
 
        "I don't like that."
                or
        "I don't like that," said Joe.

Two-part Quotes With Center Quote Tag

When the quote will have two parts separated by a quote tag in between, use a comma to end the first half of the quote followed by the tag. Then, begin the next part of your quote and end it with the proper punctuation mark. Example:

        “I’d hardly call this running into me,” George lashed out. “More like barging in.”

Capitalizing a Quote Tag

Do not capitalize the beginning word of a quote tag unless it begins with a name or proper noun.


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© Author Freya Larsen. Made by 4cones.