Lesson 9 – Influence of Incidents and Dialogue on Action
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Introduction
Incidents or Dialogue in a story can significantly impact the plot and reveal important information about the characters. Dialogue serves multiple purposes, including creating distinct voices for characters, establishing their unique way of speaking, showing their inner emotions, and demonstrating their growth throughout the story. In addition to character development, well-written dialogue can also set the scene and period of the story while naturally conveying important information. The lesson will help students understand the use of incidents or dialogue to influence a story’s plot, characters, and decisions.
I. Understanding the influence of incidents
1. Definition of incidents
Incidents refer to specific events, occurrences, or happenings within a particular context or narrative. They are individual occurrences that contribute to the overall progression of a story, plot, or situation. Incidents can be significant or minor and often impact the characters, setting, or themes in a work of literature, a film, or real-life situations.
In storytelling, incidents drive the plot forward, introduce conflict, reveal character traits, or provoke emotional responses from the audience.
2. Example
In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” one of the incidents that significantly impacts the plot is when Atticus Finch, the father of the main characters, Scout and Jem, agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewell.
II. Explore the power of Dialogue:
1. Definition of dialogue
Effective Dialogue serves a variety of purposes in fiction writing. It gives your characters personalities, creates speech patterns, reveals hidden feelings, and shows how they evolve. The effective conversation goes beyond characters to describe the context and era of your tale and disclose information without becoming unduly explanatory.
Authors utilize speech to convey their viewpoint and reflect a character’s characteristics. For instance, the classic football coach could use exclamation marks, short, snappy words, and quotes from notable military leaders. In contrast, a nebbish lover with a wounded heart can ramble on interminably to his closest friend or therapist, babbling in run-on phrases that circumnavigate his real motives.
One of the main functions of dialogue is to bring characters to life. This technique can introduce characters in a story and show who they are, their personalities, and how they interact with others. By mimicking the voices of people in your own life, you can ensure that your Dialogue sounds natural and authentic.
Mixing dialogue with narration is another effective way to keep readers engaged in the story. Long runs of dialogue can dislodge a reader from the action of a scene. As your characters talk, interpolate some descriptions of their physical postures or other activities taking place in the room. This mimics the real-world experience of listening to someone speaking while simultaneously taking in visual and olfactory stimuli.
2. Example
“Matty Forever, ” written by Elizabeth Fensham, exemplifies how dialogue can be effectively employed in a narrative text. The story commences with a conversation between the two main characters as they meet:
‘Hello, Bill O’Connell,’ she said.
‘How do you know my name?’ he asked.
‘Just do. Can I come over?’
‘Sure.’
‘My name’s Mat,’ said the fairy, pushing her way through two broken palings that swung to the side like a kind of gate. ‘Mat Grube. With an “e” at the end, it rhymes with a tube.
Bill didn’t know what to say, but Mat filled in the awkward moment. She picked up a stone from the ground and said knowingly, ‘This is an igneous rock.’
Bill just nodded.
The dialogue in this excerpt serves a significant purpose, offering substantial insights into the characters and their dynamic. Based on this initial meeting, one can infer which character might emerge as the leader in their friendship.
Using dialogue to introduce characters in a narrative is a powerful technique. Encouraging students to craft introductions beyond the typical ‘Hello, how are you?’ helps reveal the characters’ essence, motivations, and relationships’ potential dynamics.”
III. Effective Utilization of Incidents and Dialogue:
Giving your main character a secret can also add depth to their dialogue. By having your character withhold essential information from their speech, you can build dynamic three-dimensionality and embed layers of tension into the character’s spoken phrases.
This is how readers know Bill values Matty’s friendship, loyalty, and courage more than ever.
…Bill realized that Mr. Schneider was talking to him. He had not heard a word.
‘What?’ Bill asked, confused.
‘You mean I beg your pardon, Bill,’ corrected Mrs Farquay-Jones.
‘Pardon?’ said Bill clenching his teeth.
‘That’s okay, boy,’ said Sonny Schneider. ‘I was just asking what your daddy does for a living.’
‘My dad?’
‘Yes, your dad.’
Bill knew what he had to do. It might help to make up for his betrayal of Matty’s big secret. It was also going to free him. But the cost was going to be mighty big.
‘Dad’s in jail.’
In this case, the action climax is conveyed through dialogue and prepares for the character’s resolution. Students should be motivated to utilize Dialogue to communicate important information and advance the plot.
IV. FAQ
1. How do incidents or dialogue influence action, character, or decisions in literature?
Conversations and incidents (events) in a story can influence a character’s actions, behavior, and choices. They offer background information, motivation, conflict, and a window into the minds and hearts of the characters.
2. How do incidents influence character development?
Characters are frequently exposed to difficulties or conflicts during incidents, which forces them to change, develop, or reveal their true selves. Characters’ responses to incidents reveal their strengths, flaws, and values.
3. Can incidents serve as catalysts for change in characters?
Significant changes can be sparked by incidents, leading characters to reevaluate assumptions, face their fears, or make pivotal choices.
4. How does dialogue impact character and decisions?
Dialogue provides insight into characters’ thoughts, motivations, and relationships. Conversations can reveal hidden agendas, tensions, and emotions, influencing characters’ actions and decisions.
5. Can a single incident or dialogue be a turning point in a character's arc?
Yes, a well-crafted incident or impactful dialogue exchange can indeed be a turning point, drastically altering a character’s trajectory or perspective.
6. How do incidents and dialogue contribute to the overall theme of a story?
Incidents and dialogue often exemplify and reinforce the story’s themes by revealing how characters navigate challenges and make choices that reflect those themes.
7. How can I effectively analyze the impact of incidents or dialogue on characters?
Consider the character’s response to incidents or dialogue. Examine their ideas, feelings, and subsequent behavior. Investigate how these components fit with their personality and development.
Conclusion
In short, utilizing the influence of incidents or dialogue on action, character, or decisions can significantly impact the success of a story. These tips and techniques for writing effective dialogue can bring your characters to life and keep your readers engaged.