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The Four Functions of Dialogue (Tip #45)

August 2, 2010 by Scott W. Smith

“The dialogue must serve four basic functions:

To move the storyline forward.

To reveal aspects of character not otherwise seen.

To present exposition and particulars of past events.

To set the tone for the film.”

Irwin R. Blacker
The Elements of Screenwriting

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Posted in screenwriting tips | 6 Comments

6 Responses

  1. on August 2, 2010 at 1:19 pm Trevor

    Succinct and bang-on. Love it!


  2. on August 2, 2010 at 1:45 pm Scott W. Smith

    Yeah, Trevor, it’s good for me to step aside from time to time and let the big dogs do all the driving.


  3. on August 2, 2010 at 2:14 pm Screenwriting From Iowa » The Four Functions of Dialogue (Tip #45)

    […] “The dialogue must serve four basic functions: To move the storyline forward. To reveal aspects of character not otherwise seen. To present exposition and particulars of past events. To set the tone for the film.” Irwin R. Blacker The Elements of Screenwriting Original Source… […]


  4. on August 3, 2010 at 8:10 am Scott

    Show this to those who say screenwriting is easy.


  5. on October 3, 2010 at 2:02 pm Susan

    Scott-
    Just stumbled across your blog. Soem of your tips have helped me resume attention to my poor, neglected screenplays. So thanks!
    Also, do you ever do workshops? I will actually be in Des Moines in October (I live on the west coast – Santa Barbara) and thought I would ask in case you have something happening during that month in Iowa.


  6. on July 14, 2011 at 12:40 pm Aragua L. Osaghekhoe

    The emphasis here is on play writting. I actually ask for the functions of dialogue in speech discuss. Thank you



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    • Moss Hart & the Stinging Review of a Critic
      Back in 1929 a young Moss Hart spent months working with the establish playwright George S. Kaufman on the play Once in a Lifetime. On its way to Broadway the play opened in Atlantic City with much laughter in the first half followed by a less than enthusiastic second half. They stayed up all night making […]
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