English
Dialogue formatting.
Definition
The punctuation and paragraph rules for writing characters' spoken words in fiction and nonfiction. Proper dialogue formatting makes it clear who is speaking and separates speech from narration.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 'I can't believe it,' she whispered. (comma inside quotes before dialogue tag)
- 2 'Run!' he shouted. (exclamation point inside quotes)
- 3 Starting a new paragraph each time the speaker changes in a conversation
Key Fact
Start a new paragraph every time a different character speaks.