Strategies
to Minimize On-The-Nose Dialogue
I’m a huge fan
of subtext and always looking for ways to incorporate it into my own writing.
In real
relationships, saying exactly what we mean seems imperative— in fiction, it's the kiss of boredom.
I love what's smoldering underneath the spoken word. I
find dialogue is a great tool for mining deeper layers— and the subtext, a
perfect antidote for dull, flat, straightforward, ‘on-the-nose’
conversation.
Generally, my goal is to delete
or minimize expository/explain-y conversations.
A favorite application of on-the-nose dialogue is with a calculated
dramatic purpose, e.g., I think it’s great for demonstrating the avoidance of
deeper issues.
I like it best
when “Nice weather we’re having.” really means, “You conniving little weasel!”
Below is a list of
strategies I am compiling to help me craft subtext, create depth, inject
tension and keep the dialogue fresh.
Can anyone out there share
other techniques to avoid on-the-nose dialogue? I’d love to add to my list!
Implied information allows
us to learn about people and events through interesting inference rather than
‘on-the-nose’ explanations.
Alluding to unspecified
incidents in the past can create history and mystery.
Private jokes,
exclusive comments, or ‘loaded’ nicknames can reveal intimacy and allude to
secrets.
Abrupt changes in subject can
reveal taboo issues.
‘Talking around’
issues rather than addressing them head-on can reveal nervousness, enhance
inter-personal dynamics, and create tension.
Strong reactions of any kind
can mask feelings that reveal character and allude to deeper issues:
-Syrupy sweet sentiment can
mask seething rage.
-Gruff standoffishness can
mask adoration.
-Cavalier indifference can
mask longing. (Apparent
indifference can mask many emotions.)
-Maligning and
ridicule can mask jealousy.
-Machismo or
boasting can mask insecurity.
-Excessive piety
or righteousness can mask moral bankruptcy.
-Concern or
protectiveness can mask control issues.
-Humor or making
light of a topic can mask pain.
-Mocking can
mask jealousy or resentment.
‘Freudian Slips’ can eek out
bits of repressed emotion.
Long repressed feelings can
explode into conflict or deep emotion with surprising, irrational, or
inappropriate outbursts.
Withholding or silence can inform us by what is NOT being said.
Ignoring a comment or
question completely can reveal avoidance.
Answering a question with
another question can deflect responsibility or demonstrate avoidance.
Answering a different
question, or responding to a different comment than was stated can reveal
discomfort and an intentional redirection of the conversation.
Multiple meanings -
where each character focuses on a different meaning of a word or issue can reveal
character and create depth in a conversation.
Teasing, either good natured
or mean spirited, can reveal relationship quality, character and emotion, and
may reveal a bit of history.
Insults about sensitive or
private issues can ratchet up relationship tension and allude to past history.
Casual questions can border
on interrogation and indicate insecurity, mistrust, or suspicion.
Physicalizing an emotion
with an action in response to a question or comment can make a powerful
statement (a tender touch, shoving a knife in the back) especially when
the action seems to vary from the expected response.
Perseverating on a topic can
reveal obsession.
Sarcasm can
inform about underlying feelings and create tension.
Chronic
complaining can indicate self-imposed victimization or failure to take
responsibility.
Clichés (strategically used) can reveal a pathetic shallow character.
Symbolizing or referring
to anything that symbolizes something else can expand and deepen meaning.
Speaking in metaphors can
symbolize and illuminate personal issues.
Inserting poetry or lyrics (our own or those of others) to speak for a character can vary the speaking style, utilize metaphors, and create depth and emotion.
I think the best fiction writers are closet psychologists. I'm trudging through my own mini-PhD program here in my writing corner.
Do comment if
you have ideas. I’d love to hear more
thoughts on creating subtext!
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