1.

In our previous post, we touched on using our IDEA method to bring out the characters' emotions. Today, we shall move on to I(D)EA -using dialogue to give more depth to the characters in the story. Not only does dialogue increase the variety of the sentences in the story, it also helps to develop plots, strengthen the writer’s intentions and put the readers into the story at that exact moment.

2.

Is writing dialogue that difficult? Yes and no. Anyone can write a dialogue between two characters. However, the dialogue has to be meaningful and add some value to the story. 

“Good morning,” Peter said as he entered the classroom.

Seriously, what value does that give to the story? Is the writer trying to tell the reader that Peter is a polite boy?

Now, look at the below.

“James, are you sure you want to do that?  Our teacher is going to be so furious,” Peter whispered .

With the simple use of meaningful dialogue, the writer had effectively aroused the curiosity of the reader. What is James going to do? Is he going to play a trick on the teacher? 

3.

One last pointer. While this method is powerful, your child needs to know the punctuation rules well. There are so many punctuation mistakes that the children are making nowadays while using dialogues in their stories.  If you are unsure about the appropriate punctuation for dialogue, do check a grammar resource.