Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal. Through conversations between characters, we reveal their personalities, emotions, and struggles. Great dialogue doesn’t just convey information; it makes your readers feel something. In today’s Tony Tips Tuesdays, I want to share how you can write dialogue that breathes life into your characters using examples from my novels, S.O.L.A.D.: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ and S.O.L.A.D.: It’s Just the Beginning.
In my work, Kevin Edwards (Angelo) and Juanita Grayson’s (Angeline) dialogue showcases their friendship, courage, and emotional struggles. Whether in moments of humor, vulnerability, or conflict, their words reveal who they are at their core.
1. Dialogue That Reveals Personality and Relationships
In real life, what people say—and how they say it—shows who they are. Your characters should be no different.
Take this lighthearted yet telling exchange between Kevin and Juanita:
“Hey, you juvenile delinquents,” Kevin said. “No running in the library!”Juanita rolled her eyes. “Kevin, just let them be. Let’s just get the books we need and get out of here.”Kevin shook his head. “No. We need to stop them before they hurt somebody or themselves.”“Always gotta be a hero, huh?”“Nope,” Kevin said as he and Juanita braced themselves to intercept the boys. “Just being me.”
This short interaction reveals a lot about Kevin and Juanita. Kevin’s innate desire to “save the day” and Juanita’s teasing but loyal support are clear. They don’t need to say “I care about you” or “You’re important to me”—it’s woven into their words and actions.
Writing Tip: Dialogue should reflect each character’s unique personality. Let their speech patterns, humor, or seriousness shine.
2. Emotional Dialogue: When Words Cut Deep
Some of the most powerful moments in storytelling come from emotional conversations. When characters face grief, fear, or heartbreak, their words hit harder because they’re vulnerable.
In S.O.L.A.D.: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, Juanita’s grief over Kevin’s apparent death is heart-wrenching:
“Show me why you think Kevin is dead.”Wiseman J sped the video up to Kevin's fight against the werewolves…“Oh...God...no,” Juanita said.Wiseman J placed his hand on Juanita's shoulder, but Juanita jerked away. “No. You don’t get to console me. You knew where Kevin was, and you knew I was searching for him… He’s dead, and I feel like I’ve died inside.”
Juanita’s words carry raw, unfiltered emotion. Notice how her dialogue is clipped and forceful—matching her pain. Her refusal to be comforted adds depth, showing how betrayal and loss intertwine.
Writing Tip: When emotions run high, keep dialogue direct and powerful. Use short sentences, interruptions, and pauses to reflect the intensity of the moment.
3. Subtext: The Hidden Meaning in Dialogue
In real life, people don’t always say what they mean. The same should apply to your characters. Subtext—the hidden meaning beneath the words—adds richness and complexity to dialogue.
For instance, in a quieter scene between Kevin and Juanita:
“Is something wrong?” Juanita asked, thinking that Kevin wanted to say something.Kevin forced himself to smile. “No, Juanita. Nothing’s wrong.”He paused at the door. “Thanks for being there for me. I really appreciate it.”
Here, Kevin says “nothing’s wrong,” but the pause, forced smile, and parting words suggest otherwise. Readers can feel his internal conflict even though he doesn’t state it outright.
Writing Tip: Use subtext to hint at emotions your characters can’t or won’t express directly. This engages readers, allowing them to read between the lines.
4. Dialogue Paired with Action
Words are powerful, but they gain even more weight when paired with action. Movements, gestures, and tone make dialogue feel alive.
Here’s an example of how action amplifies Juanita’s words:
Juanita dropped to her knees and buried her face in her hands.“No,” Juanita said. “You don’t get to console me. He’s dead, and I feel like I’ve died inside.”
The image of Juanita collapsing adds emotional impact to her words. Dialogue alone can carry meaning, but action grounds it in reality.
Writing Tip: Use actions or body language to give dialogue deeper layers of meaning. A character’s movements can contradict or reinforce what they’re saying.
5. The Power of Silence
Sometimes, what isn’t said is just as important as what is. Silence creates tension, allows readers to process emotions, and adds realism to your dialogue.
When Juanita processes Kevin’s “death,” there’s a pause before her outburst:
Juanita’s eyes never left the screen, but Wiseman J saw the tear drops under her chin hit the keyboard.
This brief silence—indicated by Juanita’s tearful stillness—adds weight to her eventual response. Readers feel her devastation building.
Writing Tip: Use pauses or silence to create anticipation, tension, or emotional impact.
6. Personal Touch: Writing S.O.L.A.D. Dialogue
When I wrote S.O.L.A.D., I didn’t just write dialogue—I listened to the characters. Each of their voices developed through prayer, faith, and persistence. There were days when I felt stuck, but I pushed through because I believed in their journey.
Dialogue like Kevin’s battle cries or Juanita’s calm reassurances often surprised me. Even though I had outlines, the characters sometimes took me in new directions, and I learned to trust the process.
I wrote everywhere—at the kitchen table, on my phone, in hotel rooms—capturing ideas whenever inspiration struck. When scenes changed, so did the dialogue, and each revision made the story stronger.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Characters Speak
Dialogue is more than words—it’s the heartbeat of your story. It reveals character, builds tension, and brings scenes to life. Whether it’s Kevin’s quiet resilience, Juanita’s fierce determination, or Wiseman J’s wisdom, their words shape who they are and move the story forward.
As a writer, remember: trust your characters to speak their truths. Listen to their voices, let them argue, cry, or joke, and don’t shy away from uncomfortable moments. Your dialogue will feel more authentic, engaging, and unforgettable.
If you want to see these techniques in action, check out my novels:
📚 S.O.L.A.D.: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™📚 S.O.L.A.D.: It’s Just the Beginning
Both are available now at:🔗 www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop
Keep writing, keep believing, and let your characters’ voices shine.
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