Proper punctuation and formatting of dialogue are essential for clarity and reader engagement. Here are key guidelines to help you master dialogue presentation, adhering to MLA style conventions, supplemented with examples from renowned authors:
1. Quotation Marks for Direct Speech
Enclose spoken words within double quotation marks to indicate direct speech.
• Example: “I’ll meet you at noon,” she said.
• Example from Charles Dickens’ Bleak House*:
“My Lady’s cause has been again before the Chancellor, has it, Mr. Tulkinghorn?” says Sir Leicester, giving him his hand.
2. Punctuation Placement
Place periods and commas inside the closing quotation marks.
• Example: “We should leave now,” he suggested.
For question marks and exclamation points, place them inside the quotation marks if they are part of the spoken sentence; otherwise, place them outside.
• Example: She asked, “Are you coming?”
• Example: Did he just say, “I’m not interested”?
3. Dialogue Tags
Dialogue tags attribute the spoken words to a character and are separated by commas.
• Tag after dialogue: “I’m tired,” he said.
• Tag before dialogue: He said, “I’m tired.”
• Tag interrupting dialogue: “I’m tired,” he said, “but I can continue.”
4. Capitalization
Capitalize the first word of a complete sentence in dialogue.
• Example: She whispered, “It’s a secret.”
If a dialogue tag interrupts a single sentence, the second part of the dialogue starts with a lowercase letter.
• Example: “If you wish,” he said, “we can go now.”
5. New Paragraph for Each Speaker
Start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes to maintain clarity.
• Example:
“Will you join us?” asked John.
“I’m not sure,” Mary replied.
6. Long Speeches
For a character speaking over multiple paragraphs, use opening quotation marks at the beginning of each paragraph, but only use a closing quotation mark at the end of the final paragraph.
• Example:
“This is a long explanation,” he began. “It spans multiple points.
“Each point is crucial to understand.
“Finally, we conclude with the main idea.”
7. Internal Dialogue
Italicize internal thoughts without quotation marks to differentiate them from spoken dialogue.
• Example: I can’t believe this is happening, she thought.
8. Single Quotation Marks for Quotes Within Dialogue
Use single quotation marks for a quote within dialogue.
• Example: “Did he really say, ‘I’m leaving’?” she asked.
By adhering to these guidelines, your dialogue will be clear, professional, and engaging for readers.
