[The following post on how to write dialogue between two characters is an excerpt from our screenwriting book: Master Screenplay Dialogue: The Ultimate Practical Guide on How to Write Dialogue Like the Pros.]
Learning how to write dialogue between two characters is one of the key skills you'll need to master writing dialogue overall. But often aspiring screenwriters find it hard to see the woods from the trees and recognize when they're making rookie mistakes when it comes to conversations between two characters.
• Recognize the #1 mistake when it comes to dialogue between two characters in your own writing
• Tackle this problem head-on using a little-mentioned theory hack (involving tennis) on how to write dialogue between two characters
• Learn our dialogue examples and apply the techniques to your own work
• Know how to move forward and amplify your dialogue even more in future
You’ve probably heard that if your film dialogue isn’t revealing character or pushing the story forward, it can be cut. While this may be easy to understand intellectually, it can often be hard to implement in a script when you’re deep in the story and want to let the characters talk as much as they want.
How do you know how to write good dialogue when you think what you're writing is good already?
In other words, it can be hard to tell the difference between effective dialogue that deserves to be in a script and general chit-chat that doesn’t. The latter often results in script dialogue between two characters that runs long, with characters making speeches or just sitting around shooting the breeze, and this means you’re overwriting it.
When dialogue stretches to four or five lines or more or is just a friendly conflict-free conversation, it might not seem like a problem when you’re writing it, but it really drags on screen.
The key, therefore, to learning how to write dialogue for two characters that really shines, is knowing how to frame the conversation and what to cut.
While the advice to “cut any dialogue that doesn’t reveal character or move the story forward” is true, we think it’s easier to achieve this if you approach it from the perspective of characters engaged in a battle.
Here's a great theory hack on how to write dialogue between two characters. Use this sample dialogue and exercise to really help tighten up your script's conversations.
The best moments of dialogue often come between two characters who are at odds with each other—when they’re using their words like weapons. Or in the case of this analogy—tennis racquets.
A great way to edit a conversation and also inject some conflict and stakes into it is to think of it as a game of tennis.
Particularly in confrontational scenes, there should be a sense in the characters’ dialogue that they’re struggling to make the other realize something important.
That they’re taking it in turns playing defensive or attacking shots while trying to get the upper hand over the other. And that their words are putting each other under tremendous pressure and causing a great deal of stress.
Rather than thinking of dialogue writing in casual conversational terms, try to think of it as a tennis game between the characters—each one hitting the ball across the net with a line that tops the last until, finally, one hits the “winner.”
Here’s a dialogue example between two characters from the film The Girl On The Train. This is the scene in which the protagonist, Rachel, is confronted by Detective Riley over whether or not she killed her neighbor.
Note how the dialogue resembles a battle between these two characters until Riley wins the “game” with the line “Did you murder Megan Hipwell?”
See how there’s no room for waffle here? Every single line is included for a reason because it’s either an attacking shot or defensive return over the net.
Of course, you shouldn't apply this hack on how to write dialogue between two characters to every conversation in your script. Not all film dialogue is a full-on confrontation that moves the plot forward, comparable to a game of tennis.
Sometimes dialogue can be very low key, friendly, and only reveal character or backstory.
Take a look at these dialogue examples: the scene in The Way, Way Back in which the teenage protagonist, Duncan, has his first proper conversation with the girl next door, Susanna.
Or the one in Wild, in which Cheryl meets another female hiker on the trail and all they do is chat about their lives. Or the one in The Skeleton Twins in which Maggie and Milo sit on the floor talking about high school.
While the tennis game analogy might not fit these kinds of scenes, if the balance of conversations in your script resemble conflict-free exchanges rather than battles in which they’re both vying to get the upper hand, then you probably have a lack of conflict in the story overall.
In this case, reframing the dialogue as a game of tennis—with each character playing defensive or attacking shots—can really help add some pressure, conflict and stakes. In turn, this will help stop characters chatting for the sake of it, as you’ll be forced to focus the dialogue only on what’s important.
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To learn more about how to write dialogue between two characters and get your dialogue writing up where it needs to be—i.e. with the pros—check out our latest book, "Master Screenplay Dialogue: The Ultimate Practical Guide On How To Write Dialogue Like The Pros."
Let us know what you think of our method on how to write good dialogue in the comments below. Have you tried thinking of dialogue as a battle between the characters? What are some techniques you use yourself to make sure the dialogue between two characters stays engaging and pushes the story forward?
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I would like to extend the metaphor. There are many times in films and particularly newer television when a line of dialogue seems to beg for a response. In my mind, I'm thinking, "That character is going to say such and such", trying to predict the next line. Then what happens? Silence. No response at all. To get back to tennis, sometimes the best move for the opponent is to let the ball go out of bounds, not trying to hit the errant volley. This happens all the time in "real life". Sometimes it's not strategic, yet it happens all the same.
Great comment, Daniel!
good explanation
Thanks for the shoutout!
I like the advice in principle, but I am very suspicious of any imperative or generalization about 'write three lines or less' as a fundamental aspect of screenwriting. Especially when three of my favorite writers are Aaron Sorkin, Paddy Chayefsky, and Tarantino. Not to mention my background in Shakespeare and David Mamet. Sorry, but no. It is not fundamental. I think the motivation for writing this 'rule' is a conceptual prejudice that most people can't write dialogue, so just don't bother.
Yes, those writers are all probably the wordiest in screenwriting history and are, of course, exceptional. We're just giving general advice here because many writers write way more dialogue than is necessary - which can be a problem.
Nice & Thanks.
Interesting analysis I have not seen on writing dialogue between two characters.. . Thank you .
Thanks, Arlyne.
Learning how to write dialogue in a movie is more than silly gimmicks like this. It should come from your heart from you soul . the characters need to tell their own story in their own words, let them speak , they have the voice not u the writer
Greetings from Vancouver!
I've gotten so much out of this post and others on this site.
Thank you for helping me with my screenwriting script reader pro
I will definitely check out your services when I have the money.
Glad you liked it, Sandy. Stay warm!
This post is DEEP. Hadn't thought about dialogue in a movie this way.
Great to hear, Dean!
Good way of thinking about dialogue, thank u.
Thanks, Steph.
Have you got the script to Girl on the Train?
Yes, you can download it here: 50 of the Best Screenplays to Read.
I've been looking for advice on how to write dialogue like this for ages.An absolute blinder of a post. Thanks a lot Script Reader pro!!
Thanks, DJ!
Can you recommend any good books on how to write dialogue?
Yes, we have one here 🙂
Hi guys! Just wanted to say this has opened my eyes on how to write dialogue so much. So thank you!
You're welcome, Bette!
Love the tennis game analagy. 🙂
Thanks, Erik!
Can I write dialogue between two characters like this in a novel? Does this work for my book?
I don't know if I totally go along with this. Writing dialogue should be a spontanoeus thing as one character spars with another. Not so rigid as you write here. Don't mean this in a bad way tho. Just saying.
I have been writing for 7 years and this is the clearest explanation I've seen on how to write dialogue between two characters. Good job guys.
Thanks for your comment, Reed. Really appreciate it 🙂
Not all dialogue between two characters is a showdown between them. Sometimes its a casual relaxed thing or sometimes its a moment of tension. There's not a one size fit all formula to writing dialogue.
Couldn't agree more, Fabinho. That's exactly what we say at the end of the post. 🙂
Where can I find the script to Girl on a train?
You can find it in our list of the 50 best screenplays to read.
Thank you again ScriptReaderPro! I love the content you put out there. You always seem to find a new angle that makes everything seem so much easier. Love from Sweden!
Thanks a lot, Johanna!
Hi guys, I really enjoyed this post. Dialogue is probably my weakest part of my writing so this helped a lot. Thank you.
Glad to hear it, thanks, Tony!
I was wondering whether anyone here knows the deadline for the Austin Film Festival 2019?
Yes, you can find that here.
Didn't like the movie. Can you write an example of dialogue between two characters like tennis using a different movie example?
I'm wanting to learn screenwriing and become a professional screenwriter and writer in general some day. I recently subscribed to your newsletter and it's already helped me so much - this article is awesome and insightful. I might get your book as well. Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for signing up Liane and your very kind words. Cheers!
I just been red pilled on how to write dialogue.:)
Great!
This is just okay.. I can take some tips about dialogue but need a proper strategy to make it work throughout the whole script.
I want to sell my movie. Can you help.
Unfortunately not, Vijay. We're not a production company.
I like that a tennis games.
This is a great "hack" as you guys call it. Thank you from Pasadena, California.
Appreciate it, Carl!
great its been useful to me
Glad to hear it, thanks for the feedback, Archibald.
Pretty cool, I'm excited to be carried along in this revolutionary train
Sounds good, William!
This could save people a lot of pain in editing.
That's the aim - thanks Johanna 🙂
Thanks, Script Reader Pro! What a great post! Love your blog so much!!
Thank you, Woddy!
As always, I enjoyed your blog post. It’s so easy to apply and learn from. Keep them coming.
Thanks, Paula - more on how to write dialogue coming soon.
This is something I need to improve in my writing.
Thanks, Mariah!
Love your examples! They really helped me to get me head around writing better dialogue.
Thanks, Whitney, glad they helped!
I understand now why people have co-writers because trying to dialogue different characters can drive one person crazy
Absolutely, John. 😀
Good point 🙂
Wow, wonderful and just what I needed to read as I'm about to start a rewrite. Thanks a million.
Glad we could help!
Thanks for the shoutout, Stewart!
Here's a tip: Cast your characters before you write.
Thanks for the great tip, Paul. Good for everyone with a established network of industry contacts.
Yes, that's a good one.
Wow! this is just so great. i think i can do something sensible now
Glad it helped!
We all know 'good' dialog isn't good enough. Focus on 'great' dialog coupled with a great story.
I'm now much in a better position to succeed in writing a play . thanks a lot for the highlight
You're welcome!
how are you doing today, my name shadrach and i am happy to see how to script reader do things , i want to know if i can send you a treatment.
Hi, yes you can send a treatment up to 4000 words here: https://www.scriptreaderpro.com/synopsis-treatment-coverage/ If it's longer, please contact us.
It's helpful to read all concepts of writing good dialogue. Making this visual is a great forget-me-not trick! thanks
Glad this helped - thanks for the comment, Pamela.
I am impressed with this great topic, and also very glad that I got your
book "Master screenplay Dialogue" , I would recommend it to anyone who struggles with dialogues, in addition the book gives some tips with the format.
It`s so compact and into the point, just what I needed.
Really appreciated you guys,
Thanks Tatiana for the review!
I have quickly learned what works and what doesn't fit my script. Thanks!
Thanks for reaching out, Mya!
this a nice topic and am impressed and it has taken me a step forward.
thanks
Glad to hear it. Cheers
This was short, easy to get. I'm always trying to add conflict but never thought in terms of a tennis match. Good point. Thank you.
No problem, Wanda 🙂
Thanks.it was a great one and an eye opener.i am thankful
Glad we could help!
Where is the much talked about subtext in the scene between Riley and Rachel?
The scene's an example of framing dialogue as a game of tennis, not subtext per se.
This article or mini lesson has opened my eyes and answered several dialogue questions that I needed answers to. I'm so glad that I stubbled upon your Google talk! I'm enjoying learning from you.
You're welcome, Rod. Glad you found it helpful.
So much of what must be taught about writing can be said with few words. This lesson was short, illustrative and sweet, bringing clarity to points of doubt.
Thanks for the feedback, Edward. Much appreciated 🙂