From Wally:
April 8, 2026
Earlier I talked about getting to know your character through their psyche and psychological scars, which in turn will tell you how they will act in different situations. Knowing this will also tell you a lot about that character’s speech patterns and how they might converse with others.
Why is that important? One thing that will turn a reader off is if all of your characters sound the same. It can also be confusing to a reader when trying to keep track of who’s who in the screenplay. One benefit is it can help attract actors to parts. Dialogue makes each character stand out.
I’m not just talking about accents or speech impediments (sure, an accent or a stutter will make a character’s dialogue stand out) but all of your characters can’t stutter or have a southern drawl. However, they can and should be unique.
Look at the people within your own circle. I think you will find each one has their own way of speaking and carrying on a conversation. Ask yourself, is this character friendly or unfriendly? Nice or cantankerous? Patient or impatient? Is your character self-confident or insecure? Innocent or worldly? Argumentative or understanding? Will they stand fast or retreat? Fight or flee? Will they cry or laugh it off? Will your character over-think a problem or go on gut instinct?
Once you understand what makes your Character tick, you will better understand how your character will carry on a conversation, handle an accusation, a threat, a challenge, a compliment, or a personal question.
Give each of your character’s dialogue uniquely different from the rest of the characters. And when you are writing dialogue, remember to let the character’s actions carry subtextual meaning (rather than relying on exposition). A character’s actions, silence, or a look says more than words.
When you write your dialogue, become an actor playing the part, not just reading lines. Be the character, act out the scene in your head, live the part. Be that person, with all their scars and fears, their anger, their pain, and their relief or urgency in the moment. Don’t just say the words, in fact replace some of the dialogue with actions or moments of silence… moments of silent anger or sadness or joy.
Read your stuff out loud. Play all the parts. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.