Activity: Dialogue Practice Activity
Can you write dialogue that reveals character and moves the story forward?
Learning Targets
I can write dialogue that advances the story and reveals character.
Your Task
In this activity, you'll complete three dialogue exercises that build toward mastery of effective dialogue writing. Each exercise focuses on a different skill: using action beats, developing distinct character voices, and applying the "So What?" test to cut unnecessary lines. These are low-stakes practice exercises—they're designed for you to experiment, make choices, and learn from the feedback you'll receive.
Exercise 1: "The Request" — Action Beats Over Adverbs
Write a 6–8 line dialogue exchange where a D&D character asks an NPC for directions to a hidden temple. The character is impatient and suspicious. The NPC is nervous but helpful.
Constraint: Do NOT use adverbs in your dialogue tags. Instead, use action beats to show how characters are feeling and reacting.
What This Means
Instead of:
"Where is the temple?" she asked impatiently.
Try:
She tapped her boot against the stone floor. "Where is the temple?"
Action beats do the work that adverbs would do, but they're more visual and interesting. They also help readers see the scene, not just hear the words.
Use these frames to help you get started:
[Other character pauses/reacts]. "[Response dialogue]"
- What does an impatient person's body language look like? (Tapping? Pacing? Clenching fists?)
- What does a suspicious person ask? (Does your character question the NPC's reliability? Ask follow-up questions?)
- What does a nervous person do? (Avoid eye contact? Fidget? Speak hesitantly?)
Write Your Exercise Below
You'll submit this in the text box provided in your learning management system.
Exercise 2: "Two Voices" — Same Situation, Different Characters
Write the same basic conversation twice: asking for directions at a crossroads. The information exchanged must be identical both times (same destination, same crossroads, same road warden giving directions).
- Version 1: A boisterous dwarf warrior celebrating a recent victory
- Version 2: A shy halfling bard on their first adventure
Goal: Readers should be able to tell which character is which by voice alone, even without character names or descriptions.
What Makes Voices Different?
- Word choice: Does one character use formal language and the other use slang? Does one use technical terms and the other use simple words?
- Sentence length: Does one character speak in short bursts? Long, flowing thoughts?
- Energy level: How enthusiastic or reserved is each character?
- What they pay attention to: Does the dwarf talk about the journey ahead? The landscape? The pace? Does the halfling notice small details, apologize, ask permission?
For the boisterous dwarf:
For the shy halfling:
Write Your Two Versions Below
You'll submit both versions in the text box provided in your learning management system.
Exercise 3: "The 'So What?' Revision" — Cutting the Unnecessary
Below is a dialogue exchange with three unnecessary lines. Your job is to identify which lines fail the "So What?" test, then rewrite the scene with those lines removed or replaced with lines that do real work.
What Is the "So What?" Test?
Every line of dialogue should do at least one of these things:
- Reveal character: The line tells readers something about who this person is
- Advance the plot: The line moves the story forward or introduces new information
- Build tension: The line creates conflict or raises stakes
- Create a moment: The line is emotionally resonant or meaningful
If a line doesn't do one of these things, readers will ask "So what?" and the scene slows down.
The Sample Dialogue (as written)
"We should head to the castle," said Mira.
"Yes, the castle is to the north," replied Kael.
"I heard it's dangerous," Mira said.
"Many adventurers have tried before us," Kael noted.
"Well, we're different," Mira said with a smile.
"That's true. We have the map," said Kael.
"Let's go then," Mira said.
"Alright, let's head out," Kael agreed.
As you read the sample dialogue, ask yourself about each line:
- Does this tell me something new about Mira or Kael?
- Does this move the story forward, or is it just confirming what we already know?
- Is there a more interesting way to convey this information?
Your Task
- Identify the three lines that fail the "So What?" test. Write them down.
- Explain briefly why each one fails the test.
- Rewrite the entire scene with those lines removed or replaced. Aim for a version that's tighter, more dramatic, and reveals more about Mira and Kael.
You'll submit your analysis and revision in the text box provided in your learning management system.
AI Guidance
Do not use AI to write your dialogue exercises. These are practice—the only way to improve dialogue writing is to write dialogue yourself. You may use AI to ask yourself questions about your characters ("Ask me five questions about my character's background so I can figure out how they speak differently"), but the actual dialogue must come from you.
Process Evidence
As you work through these exercises, save your drafts and notes. When you submit, include:
- Your completed three exercises
- A brief note (3–4 sentences) on which exercise felt most challenging and why
- One sentence about what you learned about writing dialogue by doing this practice
What's Next?
After you complete this activity, move to Check Understanding: Dialogue to test your understanding of dialogue techniques and get feedback before moving on to the assignment.