In what we think of as bad dialogue, the characters talk…
“In what we think of as bad dialogue, the characters talk directly to each other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bad dialogue is when characters speak directly to each other, lacking natural flow and subtext.
In simple terms: Direct speech feels unnatural.
Use subtext and realistic interaction.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- theatre
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you add subtext?
- What makes dialogue feel authentic?
Over‑explaining can make dialogue flat.