Writing great dialogue is often the key to constructing believable, authentic and compelling characters that live long in the minds of the reader, listener or viewer. In order to write character-specific dialogue you must first understand the skills and techniques employed by great writers. The way an unforgettable character talks is unique to them. Their use of syntax, rhythm and word choice is distinctively who they are. We hear or read a line of their dialogue and we know who is talking. We are never in doubt.

During this one-day masterclass, we will look at some of the best known characters in script and prose and analyse how they talk and why. Then we will look at some examples of bad dialogue: words that are flat and full of cliches, or else on-the-nose; before turning to the construction of fresh, original, unforgettable dialogue, that characterises, moves the story forward, and is charged with an energy that makes it human and alive. In short, during this one-day masterclass, you will learn to write great dialogue.

Who can forget:

“I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.”

“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

April 18 £55 (one-day course in Haworth)

April 19 £45 (one-day course ONLINE)