1. Instructions, PA #2
Write a dialogue between a Federalist and an Anti-federalist discussing each of their views on ratification of the U.S. Constitution. The dialogue should include details that reflect the arguments made by Federalists and Anti-federalists.

2. Writing Dialogue Between a Federalist and Anti Federalist
History Department

3. Dialogue Introduction
Dialogue should be true to life, but it cannot be exactly true.
Real speech is often aimless, halting, or unfinished. Don’t allow this to happen
Thus, the trick is to write dialogue that seems real, but that is easy for the audience to follow (AND YOU).

4. Devices that will help knit your dialogue together…

5. Repetition
One character picks up on a word that another character has just said:
Character 1: “You’re not open to any new ideas. You won’t even listen to a word about individual rights!”
Character 2: “A word? This is coming from the man who holds a whip above an affrighted slave!”

6. Interruptions
One character breaks in on another, completing the first character’s line.
Character 1: “If only we could get enough—”
Character 2: “signatures?”

7. TAGS
In writing dialogue for a story, you start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. Using tags helps the reader to know who is speaking.
“I’d really like you to understand that a strong government is a winning government,” he said.
He whined, “I’m tired of your open, or loose interpretation of the Constitution.”
“What about the farmers?” she asked.
“It’s the only way to get stuff done,” hissed Adams viciously.

8. Use Action
Instead of getting in the TAG RUT, try incorporating some action:
he pointed across the room. “Aren’t you slave owner?!”
he slammed his hands down on the table. “You know it’s not the same; we’re educated, white, propertied males!”

9. More Tips
Don’t create non-parts with your characters in dialogue. This is the agreeing, nodding, uh-huh-ing character.
Work to reveal information from both sides of the conversation.
Prove to me that you understand the arguments of the two opposing groups

10. Example
Thomas Jefferson, an Anti-Federalist laughed, “A good rebellion is good every now and again; it reminds the government of their purpose.”
“Their purpose,” hissed John Adams, a Federalist, “is to get stuff done for the good of the country; a weak country can’t do that!”

11. Your Turn
Using your notebooks on the political characters wearing t-shirts, create a dialogue emphasizing the argument for and against ratification
Pick one member from each side of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist