Moving on, dialogue also possesses the unique ability to nudge the plot forward. Beyond the revelation of character nuances, it can unravel mysteries, introduce conflicts, or signal impending doom. The challenge lies in balancing the informative nature of dialogue with the need to maintain an atmosphere of uncertainty and suspense. Too much information can dispel the mystique of horror, while too little can frustrate and confuse the reader. It’s a delicate interplay, one that requires the writer to be both a master of language and a conductor of fear.
In the murky realms of horror, where each shadow whispers a secret and every silence screams, dialogue is not just a vessel for character expression but a crucial tool for unraveling the plot. The skilled horror writer knows that advancing the story through conversations is a delicate art—one that requires a fine balance of revelation and concealment, of making the unspeakable speak.
One of the most effective strategies for using dialogue to reveal plot points is through the naturalistic ebb and flow of conversation. In real life, people rarely announce important facts or backstory outright; they hint at them, circle around them, and sometimes only disclose them inadvertently. Similarly, in horror fiction, a character might begin a seemingly innocuous discussion about local legends, only to subtly introduce crucial plot details about an ancient curse or a series of unexplained events.
For example, consider a scene where two characters are barricaded in an old, rickety house, seeking refuge from whatever horrors lurk outside. As they converse, their dialogue might touch upon the mysterious past of the house, dropping clues for the audience about its significance to the unfolding terror. “Remember when old Mrs. Henderson used to say the walls were too thin?” one character might muse. “She always insisted there were more than just rats scuttling inside them.” Such a line, delivered almost casually, plants a seed of dread in the audience’s mind and foreshadows the possibility of hidden chambers or sinister presences within the walls—without the need for a forced, explanatory monologue.
Additionally, conversations can also help maintain tension by injecting doubt and uncertainty into the plot. Two characters might debate the best course of action to take, each presenting different theories or plans. This not only highlights the characters’ differing perspectives but also creates a sense of unease as the reader wonders which character, if any, is correct. The dialogue becomes a dance of persuasion, with characters—and by extension, readers—weighing the risks and potential consequences of their decisions.
Another approach to natural plot development is through the layered use of subtext. Characters might be talking about one thing on the surface, but their words carry a double meaning that relates to the unfolding narrative. A conversation about the safety of a barricaded door could also be a metaphor for the characters’ psychological defenses, eroding as the story progresses. A subtle switch in topic, a single loaded word, or a change in a character’s speaking pattern can indicate that the plot is about to thicken, inviting the audience to read between the lines.
Dialogue can also serve as an effective means to introduce conflict, which is the lifeblood of any plot. In the crucible of horror, where characters are pushed to their limits, their words often spark the fire of confrontation. These moments of conflict don’t just ratchet up the tension; they pivot the plot in new directions. A character’s accusation, for instance, can be the catalyst that unleashes a series of events leading to a horrifying revelation or a desperate fight for survival.
At other times, it’s the strategic withholding of dialogue that propels the plot. Horror thrives on the unseen and the unsaid, and by having characters refuse to share certain information, the writer cultivates an aura of mystery. This omission can compel other characters to take action, perhaps to discover the truth for themselves, pushing the plot forward through their investigations. A character’s unwillingness to discuss an event from their past, paired with their visibly shaken demeanor, might drive another character to dig deeper, unwittingly stirring the slumbering horror.
This technique of retention and release plays an essential role in maintaining the story’s momentum. Just as characters are selective with their words, writers must be discerning about when to deploy dialogue for maximal impact. A revelation dropped in the midst of a high-tension scene, such as a character blurting out the true nature of the lurking entity while under duress, can act as a pressure release that propels the narrative into its next act.
On the technical side, pacing is essential when revealing plot points through dialogue. Rapid-fire exchanges can accelerate the pace, creating a sense of urgency, while longer, drawn-out discussions can allow for suspense to build. The key is to match the tempo of the conversation with the desired tension of the scene. For instance, quick back-and-forth banter might be used to convey the characters’ frantic attempts to solve a problem, while a slower, measured conversation might prelude the terrifying realization of their predicament.
Crafting dialogue in horror fiction, therefore, is a symphony of implication, tension, and plot advancement, where what is said—and indeed, what is left unsaid—guides the reader through the unfolding nightmare. The writer, like a maestro of macabre, must conduct this orchestration with precision, ensuring that each line uttered contributes to the creeping dread and inexorable march towards the climax. Through mastering the art of conversation, the horror writer not only tells a story but invites the reader to live it, breath by suspenseful breath.
In the next section, we shall delve into the challenge of crafting realistic dialogue amidst the fantastical and often absurd circumstances that typify horror fiction. This is no small feat, as the writer must weave authenticity into the tapestry of the unbelievable, creating a harmonious blend that sustains the reader’s willing suspension of disbelief.
One of the cardinal rules for successful horror fiction is keeping the reader anchored in the story’s reality, no matter how fantastical the setting may be. Dialogue is an essential tool in achieving this, as it can lend a sense of normalcy and believability to otherwise outlandish scenarios. Here are key strategies for crafting dialogue that remains realistic within the surreal worlds of horror.
Draw from Human Psychology: Begin by understanding the psychological underpinnings of your characters. Real people react to fear, stress, and the unknown in varied ways. Some might deny the horror in front of them, while others might accept it with surprising calm. A character’s background, mental state, and personality will influence their speech. Consider how a character’s profession might shape their dialogue, a scientist, for example, might analyze the horror before them, using jargon that conveys both their expertise and their attempts to rationalize the irrational. This creates an anchor point for the reader, grounding the fantastical elements in the familiar constructs of human psychology.
Maintain Consistency: Consistency in voice is crucial. If a character starts the story with a certain cadence or set of colloquialisms, abrupt shifts without clear motivation can jar the reader from the narrative. For instance, if a meek librarian has been using formal language throughout the story and suddenly starts slinging slang in the face of a demonic entity, the shift should be justified by their character arc or by extreme circumstances. Otherwise, it might come off as inconsistent writing.
Subtlety in Exposition: Characters in horror should reveal the world and its peculiar rules slowly, through natural dialogue. Having a character explain a haunted house’s entire history in a monologue is less effective and realistic than weaving these details organically into conversations. For example, when characters find an old photograph in the house, they might discuss the people in it and wonder about their fates, allowing readers to piece together the backstory.
Use Contractions and Interruptions: People often speak using contractions and are rarely grammatically perfect, especially in stressful situations. Allow characters to speak in a way that’s reflective of how real conversations unfold – often messy, with interruptions and half-finished thoughts, particularly when fear takes hold. For instance, rather than saying, “I do not understand why the lights will not work,” a frightened character is more likely to stammer, “I-I don’t get it, why won’t the damn lights work?”
Harness the Power of Banality: In the midst of the supernatural, mundane conversations can amplify the horror by contrast. Discussing ordinary concerns provides a stark backdrop for the abnormal events taking place. A family might argue about whose turn it is to do the dishes before a ghoul’s hand bursts through the sink, heightening the terror through dissonance between the everyday and the supernatural.
Avoid Overused Phrases: Horror is rife with clichés in dialogue. Phrases like “This place is cursed,” or “We have to stick together,” can feel worn and predictable. Instead, convey these sentiments in unique ways that are specific to your characters and their experiences. For example, rather than saying a place is cursed, a character might reflect on a string of personal anecdotes that imply a curse without ever saying it outright.
Balance Realism with Genre Expectations: While realism in dialogue is important, it is also necessary to balance it with the conventions of the horror genre. Readers expect a certain level of stylization; characters might need to verbalize thoughts or summarize situations more than they would in real life to serve the needs of the genre. The key is to do so in a way that feels natural to the character’s voice and the story’s tone.
Avoid Modern Slang in Historical Settings: When writing horror that is set in the past or deals with characters from different eras, it’s important to research and use period-appropriate language. Modern slang can immediately pull a reader out of a Victorian ghost story. Research into the linguistic patterns of the time will pay off in creating an immersive, believable world.
Leverage Dialects and Accents Carefully: Accents and dialects can add depth to a character but should be used sparingly and respectfully. Overdoing it can lead to caricatures, or worse, distract and alienate readers. Use a light touch to suggest an accent rather than attempting to phonetically replicate it, and ensure that any use of dialect contributes to the character’s depth rather than reducing them to a stereotype.
Understand the Pacing: The pacing of dialogue in a horror scene should reflect the tension and action of the moment. During intense scenes, dialogue might be short, breathless, and interrupted by action. Conversely, scenes meant to build suspense can benefit from longer, more measured dialogue that builds to a reveal or a scare.
To illustrate how these strategies can be applied, let’s examine a short example from a hypothetical horror story. Consider a scene in which a character named Sam encounters a strange, otherworldly creature for the first time:
Incorrect: “Sam approached the creature and boldly declared, ‘You are a monster from the ancient myths my grandmother spoke of. You bring doom and death!’”
Corrected: Sam’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at the abomination before him. “My grandma… she used to tell stories. Weird ones, about things like you.” His voice was a whisper. “I never believed her. Not until now.”
The corrected version applies several of the strategies mentioned. It creates realism through the use of contractions, reflects natural speech patterns with hesitation and breathlessness, and provides exposition subtly, letting readers infer the connection between the creature and Sam’s grandmother’s tales.
By employing these tactics, writers can create dialogue that maintains the authenticity of character interactions and upholds the reader’s suspension of disbelief, even as the narrative delves into the dark and the fantastical.
Until next time, don’t forget about our novella writing workshop in June/July. We’re more than halfway booked already (max 60 spots). Book now or email me (crystallakepub@gmail.com) to set up a payment plan.
