10 Ways To Introduce Conflict In Dialogue

10 Ways To Introduce Conflict In Dialogue

Writers Write creates writing resources for writers. This post offers you 10 ways to introduce conflict in dialogue.

Conflict In Dialogue

Characters meet resistance through conflict with other characters. This does not mean they have to physically fight. Dialogue plays a big part in conflict. Writers need to learn how to introduce conflict in dialogue.

The narrative of a story defines the plot and description sets the scene. Dialogue shows us how characters react to events in their own words. It shows us what they’re willing to tell other characters and what they need to hide. Dialogue is an effective way to increase conflict, tension, and suspense in your book.

TOP TIP: Learn to write better dialogue with The Dialogue Workbook

Here are 10 ways to introduce conflict when your characters converse.

Your characters can:

  1. Threaten.
  2. Tease.
  3. Argue.
  4. Wheedle.
  5. Cajole.
  6. Insist.
  7. Taunt.
  8. Demand.
  9. Interrupt.
  10. Lie.

Great dialogue allows a character to respond to the character causing conflict. It also allows a character to create conflict. Tension increases when a writer builds doubt and uncertainty with a character’s words. You should use dialogue to show who your characters really are. You should use omissions and silences to show what they aren’t.

[Suggested reading: 10 Dialogue Errors To Avoid At All Costs]

Other ways to introduce conflict outside of dialogue include making a character:

  1. Wait.
  2. Defend.
  3. Lose.
  4. Search.
  5. Flee.
  6. Manipulate.
  7. Avoid.
  8. Seduce.
  9. Chase.
  10. Fight.

This type of conflict should be supported by these other conflicts. In fact, these conflicts will make your characters react, think, plan, and act. This will lead to dialogue between the characters.

TOP TIP: Learn to write better dialogue with The Dialogue Workbook

by Amanda Patterson

© Amanda Patterson

If you enjoyed this article, you will love:

  1. The 12 Question Fiction Writing Conflict Test
  2. How To Write Great Dialogue
  3. The 3 Most Effective Types of Inner Conflict
  4. The 3 Most Effective Types of Inner Conflict
  5. The Antagonist As A Literary Device
  6. Rewriting Checklist For Authors

TOP TIP: Learn to write better dialogue with The Dialogue Workbook

Posted on: 27th December 2013
(68,693 views)

0 thoughts on “10 Ways To Introduce Conflict In Dialogue”

  1. Good article – dialogue for conflict, narrative for exposition. Never use dialogue to ‘tell’ a story. Another rule I follow is to use indirect dialog whenever possible, to create a subtext and nuance a character, unless direct dialog can ramp up the tension e.g. used in a situation where one would never hear direct dialog.