What Is Dialogue?

• Dialogue is a conversation that takes place between two or more people/characters.

• Quotation marks are used to identify dialogue in written works.

• Every person/character should have his or her OWN VOICE

Rules for Correctly

Punctuating Dialogue…

Rule #1:Use quotation marks to begin and end a direct quotation (even if it consists of more than one sentence). Separate the quoted material from the dialogue tag (he said/she said) with commas. Dialogue should be capitalized even if it occurs in the middle of a sentence.

Note: Commas and periods ALWAYS go INSIDE quotations marks.

Examples:

"I would like to go to the beach this weekend," she told him as they left the apartment.

I replied, “Yes, I’m going to New York City this summer. I’ll be there until August.”

You Try:

Let's go Veronica said.

Marco said Come on guys. It’ll be fun.

Rule #2:Do not use quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation.

Indirect quotations are not exact words said by someone. They are rephrasings or summaries of another person's words.

Examples:

She told him that they weren’t going to throw him a

surprise party.

He then explained to everyone how much he dislikes

going shopping.

Rule #3:Place a question mark or an exclamation point inside the quotation marks when it is part of the quotation.

Examples:

“Don’t be late!” Russ warned loudly.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked.

You Try:

Let's go Veronica yelled.

Come on guys. What are you waiting for asked Marco.

When will we be back Jonathan asked.

Hooray screamed Casey.

Rule #4:Place a question mark or an exclamation point outside the quotation marks when it is not part of the quotation.

Examples:

Did I hear Ray say, "Okay"?

I can't believe he said, "Okay"!

You Try:

Did they just say We are the best

Did you just hear that whispered voice say Be careful

Rule #5:Use quotation marks around each part of a divided quotation. Remember to set off the dialogue tag with commas.

Examples:

"I'm not sure," said Ray, "that I feel like going tonight.“

“When,” Kristen asked, “are you going to leave?”

You Try:

I can’t believe said Lin that they said that

How in the world Jim asked are you going to do that

What she asked do you think you’re doing

Rule #6:Start a new paragraph when you move from one speaker to another.

Example:

"How long a hike is it?" John asked. "I don't know

whether I have the energy."

"I think," said Jane, "that it's about seven miles to

the top."

Rule #7:When an action takes the place of dialogue (a shrug, a nod, a head shake, etc.), a new paragraph must be started if it’s the action of a new/different character. Remember, people don't always reply with words. Sometimes they shrug or make a face or ignore the other speaker entirely.

Example:

Before I had a chance to think, I had been hauled into a

small boat and dumped there like a load of fish. I opened my

eyes and was surprised--and happy--to see Jeremy staring

down at me.

"You made it," he said.

I nodded.

"Did you get the map?" he asked.

Some Reminders:

? = asked, questioned

! = yelled, screamed, shouted

. or , = commented, said, stated

NEVER WRITE…

• “Where are you going?” she said.

• “What are you going to do,” she asked.

3. “I can’t believe this,” she yelled.

Practice1. Mary is trying hard in school this semester her father

said.

2. No the taxi driver said I cannot get you to the airport in fifteen minutes.

3. I believe Jack stated that the best time of year to visit Europe is in the spring.

4. My French professor told me that my accent is horrible.

5. Come on guys. What are you waiting for asked Marco.

6. Tony and Lola were driving home from the movies when they saw a man staggering along the street. I hope he’s all right Tony said.