3.5 Dialogue formatting

Dialogue formatting is a crucial aspect of screenwriting that can make or break your script. Mastering the elements of dialogue, from character cues to parentheticals, helps create clear and engaging conversations on the page.

Proper formatting not only makes your script look professional but also enhances readability. By following industry standards for indentation, spacing, and punctuation, you ensure your dialogue flows smoothly and captures the reader's attention.

Dialogue elements

• Dialogue elements are the key components that make up the written representation of spoken conversations in a screenplay
• Understanding and properly utilizing these elements is crucial for crafting effective and engaging dialogue scenes

Spoken words

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• The actual words spoken by the characters
• Should be enclosed in quotation marks to differentiate from action lines
• Strive for natural, conversational language that suits the character and context
• Avoid overly formal or expository dialogue (unnatural phrasing)
• Use contractions and sentence fragments when appropriate to mimic real speech patterns

Character cues

• The character's name appears in all caps above their dialogue line
• Indicates which character is speaking the following line of dialogue
• First appearance of a character's name is often followed by their age or brief description in parentheses (JOHN (30s, disheveled))
• Subsequent appearances of the character's name do not require the description

Parentheticals

• Brief descriptions enclosed in parentheses that provide additional context or direction for the delivery of a line
• Placed below the character cue and above the dialogue line
• Used sparingly to convey essential information not evident from the dialogue alone (whispers, shouts, sarcasm)
• Should be concise and only used when necessary to avoid cluttering the script

Extensions

• Abbreviated technical notes placed after the character cue to indicate how the dialogue is being conveyed
• Common extensions include O.S. (off-screen), V.O. (voice-over), and CONT'D (continued)
• O.S. indicates the character is speaking from outside the scene or frame
• V.O. denotes narration or inner thoughts not spoken aloud by the character on-screen
• CONT'D is used when a character's dialogue continues across a page break or interruption

Formatting rules

• Proper formatting is essential for ensuring your screenplay is professional and easy to read
• Following industry-standard formatting conventions helps maintain clarity and consistency throughout the script

Indentation

• Character cues are indented 3.5 inches from the left margin
• Dialogue lines are indented 2.5 inches from the left margin
• Parentheticals are indented 3 inches from the left margin
• Action lines are flush with the left margin

Line spacing

• Single-space within dialogue blocks and action lines
• Double-space between dialogue blocks, character cues, and action lines
• Consistent line spacing helps create a clear visual separation between elements

Punctuation

• Use standard punctuation for dialogue, including commas, periods, and question marks
• Avoid using exclamation points unless absolutely necessary to convey strong emotion or emphasis
• Ellipses (...) can indicate trailing off, hesitation, or interruption in dialogue
• Em dashes (--) can show abrupt interruptions or sharp changes in thought

Capitalization

• Character names in cues are always capitalized (JOHN)
• Sound effects and important visual cues within dialogue are capitalized (EXPLOSION, WHISPERS)
• Emphasis on specific words within dialogue can be indicated with capitalization (I told you I NEVER wanted to see you again)
• Avoid overusing capitalization for emphasis, as it can lose its impact and clutter the dialogue

Types of dialogue

• Different types of dialogue serve various purposes and require specific formatting considerations
• Recognizing and effectively using these types can enhance the depth and impact of your screenplay

Monologues

• Extended speech by a single character without interruption
• Can reveal inner thoughts, provide exposition, or showcase a character's personality
• Format as a block of text with the character cue at the beginning
• May be broken up into multiple paragraphs for readability and pacing

Overlapping dialogue

• Simultaneous speech by multiple characters, often used to create a sense of chaos or conflict
• Indicated by placing the character cues side by side, followed by their respective dialogue
• Use sparingly to avoid confusion and maintain clarity

Telephone conversations

• Dialogue between characters speaking on the phone
• Indicate the character on the other end of the line with (O.S.) or (V.O.) after their character cue
• Show cuts between locations, if necessary, to establish the setting of each character

Subtitled dialogue

• Dialogue in a foreign language that requires subtitles for the audience
• Write the original language dialogue, followed by an italicized English translation in parentheses
• Clearly indicate the presence of subtitles to convey the intended viewing experience

Dialogue vs action

• Striking the right balance between dialogue and action is key to creating a compelling and well-paced screenplay
• Dialogue should work in harmony with action to move the story forward and reveal character

Balancing dialogue and action

• Avoid lengthy dialogue blocks that slow down the pacing and visual storytelling
• Intersperse dialogue with action lines to maintain a dynamic flow
• Use action to break up dialogue, provide context, and create visual interest
• Vary the length and frequency of dialogue exchanges to create a natural rhythm

Advancing plot through dialogue

• Dialogue should serve a purpose in advancing the plot or revealing character
• Avoid expository dialogue that simply states information without subtext or conflict
• Use dialogue to create suspense, raise questions, and propel the story forward
• Reveal key plot points through character interactions and conversations

Revealing character through dialogue

• Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character traits, motivations, and relationships
• Use subtext, word choice, and speech patterns to convey a character's personality and emotional state
• Show how characters react to and interact with each other through dialogue
• Avoid on-the-nose dialogue that explicitly states a character's thoughts or feelings

Common mistakes

• Recognizing and avoiding common dialogue mistakes can help elevate your screenplay and create more engaging conversations

Overusing character names

• Characters rarely use each other's names in every line of dialogue
• Overusing names can feel unnatural and pull the reader out of the story
• Use names sparingly, typically when a character is trying to get someone's attention or emphasize a point
• Rely on context and the flow of conversation to indicate who is speaking

Unnecessary adverbs

• Avoid using adverbs in parentheticals to describe how a line is delivered (angrily, happily, sarcastically)
• Trust the strength of your dialogue and the actor's performance to convey the intended emotion
• Use adverbs only when absolutely necessary to clarify the subtext or tone of a line
• Strong dialogue and context should make the delivery apparent without the need for excessive adverbs

Unnatural phrasing

• Dialogue should mimic natural speech patterns and flow
• Avoid overly formal, expository, or stilted language that feels out of place in conversation
• Use contractions, sentence fragments, and interruptions to create a more realistic and conversational tone
• Read dialogue aloud to check for any awkward or unnatural phrasing

Expository dialogue

• Expository dialogue is when characters explicitly state information for the audience's benefit rather than for natural conversation
• Avoid having characters tell each other things they already know or provide unnecessary background information
• Reveal exposition through subtext, conflict, and character interactions
• Trust the audience to infer and piece together information through context and visual storytelling

Dialogue techniques

• Employing various dialogue techniques can help create depth, subtext, and authenticity in your screenplay

Subtext

• Subtext is the underlying meaning or emotion beneath the surface of the dialogue
• Characters often express thoughts and feelings indirectly through implication, body language, and tone
• Use subtext to create tension, reveal character motivations, and add layers to conversations
• Avoid on-the-nose dialogue that explicitly states what characters are thinking or feeling

Interruptions and silence

• Interruptions and moments of silence can convey power dynamics, hesitation, or emotional subtext
• Use em dashes (--) to indicate when one character abruptly cuts off another's dialogue
• Ellipses (...) can show trailing off, uncertainty, or a pause in conversation
• Moments of silence can be powerful tools for creating tension or allowing characters to process information

Dialect and accents

• Representing dialect and accents in dialogue can help establish a character's background, education, or regional identity
• Use phonetic spelling or word choice to suggest a character's manner of speaking
• Avoid overusing phonetic spelling, as it can become distracting and difficult to read
• Establish the dialect or accent early on and trust the reader to maintain it throughout the script

Voice-overs and narration

• Voice-overs (V.O.) and narration can provide insight into a character's inner thoughts, memories, or story context
• Use voice-overs sparingly and only when they enhance the storytelling or reveal essential information
• Avoid using voice-overs as a crutch to explain plot points or character motivations that should be conveyed through action and dialogue
• Format voice-overs with the character cue followed by (V.O.) and the dialogue indented accordingly

Formatting software

• Using industry-standard formatting software can streamline the screenwriting process and ensure your script adheres to professional standards

Industry-standard programs

• Popular screenwriting software includes Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, and Celtx
• These programs provide templates, intuitive interfaces, and automatic formatting features tailored for screenplays
• Using industry-standard software ensures your script is compatible with the tools used by producers, directors, and other industry professionals

Automatic formatting features

• Screenwriting software often includes automatic formatting for elements such as character cues, dialogue, and action lines
• Automatic formatting maintains consistency and allows you to focus on the creative aspects of writing
• Smart features like auto-completion, scene navigation, and revision tracking can streamline the writing and editing process

Software vs manual formatting

• While screenwriting software is the preferred choice for most professionals, it is possible to format a screenplay manually using a word processor
• Manual formatting requires a deep understanding of industry standards and meticulous attention to detail
• Screenwriting software saves time, ensures consistency, and reduces the risk of formatting errors
• If you choose to format manually, refer to reliable resources and samples to ensure your script adheres to industry expectations