Revising dialogue is an important step when editing a story, especially for making character relationships stronger.

Dialogue isn’t just how characters talk; it gives us a peek into their interactions and feelings. Revising it carefully can really change how we see characters, their motives, and the emotions in the story.

One big thing to think about is making sure each character has their own unique way of speaking. Characters come from different backgrounds and have different personalities. This should show in their dialogue.

For example, think about two characters, Alice and Bob:

• Alice: She is very educated and works in a formal office, so she talks with formal words.
• Bob: He is a relaxed artist from a small town, so he uses casual language and simpler sentences.

When we revise their conversations, we need to keep their different styles in mind. If Alice starts using too casual language during a serious talk, it could make her seem less credible. On the other hand, if Bob uses fancy business terms, it might feel awkward. By adjusting their dialogue to match their personalities, the writer can create a more believable relationship.

Dialogue also helps show how character relationships change over time. The way they talk to each other can reveal how their feelings shift. For instance, if characters have tense conversations with short, sharp sentences, it might mean there is conflict. But if they use softer and more hesitant words, it might show they are opening up to each other.

Let’s look at how a friendship can grow. At first, Alice might say something like:

• "Thank you for helping me with the project, Bob. Your ideas are very helpful."

As they become closer friends, she might say:

• "Hey, Bob! That idea you had? It’s amazing! Let’s think of more ideas together!"

This change shows they are becoming more familiar and connected.

Also, the feelings behind the dialogue are very important to revise. What characters don’t say can be just as important as what they do say. For example, if a character says:

• "It’s fine. Really."

In a tense relationship, that might mean the opposite, hinting at hidden hurt. Revising these moments can add more tension and depth to the characters’ emotions, letting readers feel the strain in their relationship.

Another key point is that revising dialogue can reveal what drives a character. They might have different reasons for talking to each other, so their words should reflect that.

For example:

• If Alice wants to impress Bob, she should speak confidently and share smart ideas.
• If Bob feels unsure about himself, his words might show doubt or self-criticism.

By adjusting their dialogue in these ways, the writer helps readers understand their motivations better.

The way dialogue is written also affects how fast the story feels. Short, sharp exchanges can create a sense of urgency. Longer conversations might slow things down and make readers think more. When tension is high, tightening the dialogue can increase that feeling. For example:

• Original: "I just feel like, maybe we should consider some alternatives because this approach might not be the best for us in the long run."

• Revised: "We need to change direction. This isn't working."

The revised version speeds things up and shows urgency, mirroring the troubles in the relationship.

Lastly, revising dialogue allows writers to incorporate themes into the story. How characters speak can show bigger ideas like trust, betrayal, love, or conflict.

For example:

• In an early scene, a character might express distrust:

  • "Are you sure we can trust her? She has her own agenda."

• Later, the same characters might show trust:

  • "I believe in her, just like you believe in me."

This change not only shows their relationship growing but also highlights themes of trust and cooperation.

To revise dialogue effectively, here are some steps to follow:

1. Check Character Voice: Make sure each character sounds like themselves. Reading it out loud can help.

2. Review Purpose and Motivation: Look at what each line achieves in relation to the characters' goals and their feelings toward each other.

3. Assess Emotional Tension: Identify the emotions in the dialogue. If needed, add hints or conflicts.

4. Integrate Themes: Find ways to naturally weave themes into the conversations.

5. Evaluate Pace and Clarity: Check for clarity. Shorten long sentences to keep the story moving smoothly.

In conclusion, revising dialogue is key to developing character relationships. Good dialogue not only shows who characters are but also helps reveal how they interact with one another. The revision process allows for deeper connections by refining emotions, clarifying motivations, affecting pacing, and weaving in important themes. By thoughtfully revising dialogue, writers can create characters who engage with each other in real and meaningful ways, making their stories lively and memorable.