1. The Rules of Dialogue LEARN THEM, USE THEM, LOVE THEM.

2. Dialogue helps to: Move the plot along Develop and show character relationships Develop direct & indirect characterization Introduce and solve conflicts Give information to the reader

3. RULE #1 A direct quotation begins with a capital letter. Jimmy shouted, “See you at the game!” Cindy asked, “Is it true?"

4. RULE #2 All punctuation marks go inside the quotation marks. “Let's visit the museum,” suggested Samantha. Jon replied, “Didn't we go there last weekend?”

5. RULE #3 When a quotation is divided into two parts, the second part begins with a lower case letter. “What are some of the things,” Mrs. Baskin inquired, “that make school so much fun?” “One thing I like,” replied Sarah, “is recess!” 2 exceptions:  “I have always wanted to visit,” Sally said, “Paris at Christmas.” (proper noun)  “Of all the things you could have done,” Michael shouted, “I can’t believe you did that!” (personal pronoun “I”)

6. RULE #4 In direct quotations of more than one paragraph, place quotation marks before each paragraph, but not at the end of the paragraph. Only use them at the end of the LAST paragraph of dialogue. “This is the first paragraph. Note that quotation marks are used at the beginning of the paragraph, but not at the end of the paragraph. “This is the second paragraph. Note that quotation marks are used at the beginning and the end of the paragraph.”

7. RULE #5 Make a new paragraph (indent) when a different person begins to speak. “I hate having nightmares,” Kevin said. “Why is that?” asked Suzy. “Because I wake up in a cold sweat and breathing heavy,” replied Kevin.

8. RULE #6 Use a single quotation mark to enclose a quotation within another quotation. She said, “Jack asked Frank, ‘ Will you play in Friday’s game? ’ ”

9. Other Reminders Always make it clear who is speaking in the dialogue. Try to avoid using the word “said” repeatedly. Do not put a period at the end of a quotation followed by tags like she said, mom asked, he explained, etc. Use commas, question marks, and exclamation marks but not periods. Periods end sentences.  “My Algebra class is driving me crazy!” Paul yelled.  “That's my favorite class,” Becky replied.

10. DO NOT USE QUOTES: Around indirect quotations. If you see the word THAT, you can usually assume it’s an indirect quotation.  The coach said that he wanted players who would play their best.  I said that English was my favorite subject but I’m actually better at math.

11. Practice on your own: Put quotations and tags with each line so we know who is saying what. All right. I'll tell you. Do you know... the muffin man? The muffin man? The muffin man. Yes, I know the muffin man. Who lives on Drury Lane? Well, she's married to the muffin man. The muffin man? THE MUFFIN MAN! She's married to the muffin man.

12. Check your answers: Does not have to be exactly like this but should be similar. “All right. I'll tell you. Do you know... The muffin man?” asked Gingy. Lord Farquaad responded, “The muffin man?” “The muffin man,” Gingy repeated. “Yes, I know the muffin man. Who lives on Drury Lane?” “Well, she's married to the muffin man,” said Gingy. “The muffin man?” “THE MUFFIN MAN!” “She's married to the muffin man,” mused the short Lord.