The Importance of Dialogue

Dialogue, in everyday life as well as in fiction, is an important part of our story. Our choice of words, our dialogue and especially our characters’ dialogue sets the tone for the story. Even more important than setting, dialogue can ground the reader in a sense of time and place. The words we say have power and in the same way, the words our characters say can be very powerful The most powerful quotes in fiction have lasted centuries later.

As I am working on a short story about adults with learning disabilities and the research for the third historical mystery, I’m struck by the importance of dialogue. With my disabled characters I wish to portray them honestly but with respect and kindness. I might show a little of their behavioral differences to show their uniqueness, but I don’t wish to make them other, as in not normal or other than us. We all have things that make us unique from the way we process information to the way we speak. We all have our individual quirks from popping gum to tapping our fingers when we’re thinking. Our differences shouldn’t alienate us or even define us, they are simply a part of us.

The same with my character who is half-Lakota. At the time this story takes place there are people who would derisively call her a half-breed or other derogatory names. Should these be used in my story? Is it important to show accuracy of the time period by continuing the hate? I have dealt with this dilemma in several of my stories. Unfortunately, hate and prejudice are still among us even in modern times.

As I prepare to write these stories, how do I convey the truth without adding to the pain or is the pain part of the process? Should we use honest language no matter how degrading to show characters and their growth? What is the impact of a fictional story? How can I explain what a character is truly going through without showing the ugly stuff?

Deciding what dialogue, what language fits your genre, this particular story and the overall feeling you want the reader to have once they’ve finished reading it is the first step in deciding how much of the ugly needs to be shared. How important is this to the overall story? Will not having it in the story affect the reader’s experience more than putting it in? Sometimes, in our attempt to be considerate we end up whitewashing a truth that would be better served in all its dark and ugly honesty.

What do you think? How much is too much when it comes to derogatory language? When is it important to not hide it? Let me know in the comments. I would appreciate your honest feedback.