DialogueLearning how to properly punctuate the words your

characters speak

Things to Remember1. Write the dialogue as realistically

as possible2. Make it VERY clear who is speaking3. Don’t give too much information in

dialogue4. Keep the conversation moving

along5. Make it easy to read!

Rules of Punctuating Dialogue

1. Start a NEW paragraph each time someone new is speaking

2. Use quotation marks to surround all the spoke words (make sure they are on both sides!)

3. Use tags to show who is talking4. DON’T FORGET END MARKS5. End marks always go inside the

quotation marks. 6. Don’t forget to INDENT each new

paragraph

ENDMARKS, cont’d.

1. The end punctuation mark ALWAYS goes on the INSIDE of the quotation marks.

Example:Callie told her mom, “I

cannot wait to go to the beach this weekend!”

ENDMARKS2. Use a comma if there is a tag following the dialogue

Example:“Welcome home,”

exclaimed Sally, stepping forward to give him a hug.

ENDMARKS, cont’d.3. Use a period at the end of the quotation ONLY IF no speaker tag follows.

Example:““Welcome home,”

exclaimed Sally, stepping forward to give him a hug.

“I’m so happy to be here.” He gave her a huge hug in return.

Interrupting QuotesIf a speaker tag interrupts the quotation mark, use TWO commas– one at the end of the first quotation, then AFTER the speaker tag.

Example:“Sit down quietly,” whispered

the teacher, “because I have something important to tell you.”

SpacingEvery time there is a new line of dialogue, start on a different line!

Example:“You need to wash the dishes,”

reminded Mom.“I know, I know,” I muttered under

my breath.

What to do if…A question mark or

exclamation point is used

Follow with a lowercase letter if a speaker tag is being use

ORUse a capital letter if it goes

right into action

Example:

“It has been months since I have seen you,” she exclaimed.

“I can’t believe it!” He smiled at her, hoping he didn’t have to leave again any time soon.

Now it’s YOUR turn!

Take a look at this paragraph on the next slide and see if you can detect what changes need to be made according to all of the things you just learned about CORRECTLY punctuating dialogue in a story. *Hint: There are a LOT of mistakes!

“Stop!” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection. At this one, the light had burned out and a tall oak stood off to one side. “Let me out here.” Are you crazy,” Joe asked. “It’s still at least another twenty miles to Mud Bucket!“Just let me out, Joe. I mean it.”Buddy had become desperate. He could think of nothing else he wanted more than to become a famous musician, and if it took selling his soul to the devil to do it, then he would. Joe pulled the truck over onto the gravel at the side of the road and rolled to a stop. “Are you sure about this? It’s freakin’ creepy out there, man.” “I have my phone. I’ll call if something happens.“Well,” Said Joe. “don’t think I’m coming back out here for your sorry butt,” Buddy got out, slammed the door shut, and Joe spun off onto the highway, his tires screeching on the blacktop.

“Stop!” Buddy cried as they approached another intersection. At this one, the light had burned out and a tall oak stood off to one side. “Let me out here.”

“Are you crazy?” Joe asked. “It’s still at least another twenty miles to Mud Bucket!”

“Just let me out, Joe. I mean it.”Buddy had become desperate. He could think of nothing

else he wanted more than to become a famous musician, and if it took selling his soul to the devil to do it, then he would.

Joe pulled the truck over onto the gravel at the side of the road and rolled to a stop. “Are you sure about this? It’s freakin’ creepy out there, man.”

“I have my phone. I’ll call if something happens.”“Well,” said Joe, “don’t think I’m coming back out here for

your sorry butt.” Buddy got out, slammed the door shut, and Joe spun off onto the highway, his tires screeching on the blacktop.