The top three things each line of dialogue in fiction must do

When you’re writing dialogue in fiction, each line needs to keep your reader hooked, as well as keep your scene full of tension at the same time it propels your story forward. To assess whether your dialogue is working to do these three things, ask if each line accomplishes at least one of the following. (It’s best if it can accomplish two or three!)

1. Does it give insight into the character who is speaking? In even the simplest of exchanges, find ways for each line your characters speak to tell the reader a little bit more…