Dialogue Problems Checklist: 10 Signs and How to Fix Each

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Use this checklist to scan your scenes for dialogue issues. Read a conversation aloud or line-by-line. For each sign that matches, apply the fix right away. Mark off items as you revise to tighten every exchange.

Focus on one chapter at a time. After fixes, read aloud again to test flow. This cuts weak spots and sharpens tension.

1. Everyone sounds the same

Characters use identical phrasing, vocabulary, or sentence length, regardless of age, background, or personality.

Fix: Assign each a distinct speech pattern: short sentences for a gruff mechanic, long rambles for an academic. Rewrite three lines per character to reflect it.

2. Dialogue dumps backstory or world details

Speakers explain history, settings, or facts they already know, like 'As you recall from our childhood in the dusty mining town...'

Fix: Cut the dump. Reveal info through action or conflict instead, such as a scarred hand triggering a memory flash.

3. Lines longer than three sentences

A single speaker's turn runs on with multiple sentences unbroken by response.

Fix: Break it into two or three shorter replies. Insert a tag, action, or interrupting response from the other character.

4. Too many dialogue tags

Every line ends with 'he said,' 'she whispered,' or adverbs like 'angrily.'

Fix: Remove half the tags. Use character actions to show who speaks and their mood: 'John slammed the door. "Get out."'

5. No contractions in natural speech

Formal phrasing like 'I do not know' or 'It is time' in casual talk.

Fix: Replace with contractions: 'I don't know' or 'It's time.' Scan for 'will not' and change to 'won't' unless deliberate formality fits the voice.

6. On-the-nose statements

Characters say exactly what they feel: 'I am furious because you lied to me.'

Fix: Make them imply emotions through accusations or questions: 'How long were you planning to keep that from me?'

7. Missing beats between lines

Back-and-forth talk with zero actions, thoughts, or pauses—pure script format.

Fix: Add one beat every 2-3 exchanges: a glance, sigh, or fidget. Example: "You lied." She crossed her arms. "About everything."

8. As-you-know recaps

Speakers remind each other of obvious shared knowledge: 'Remember, we're the last survivors on this planet.'

Fix: Delete the recap. Weave it into stakes or decisions: 'If we don't fix the generator, we're done—like the others.'

9. Overuse of names

Characters address each other by name every other line: 'John, pass the salt, John.'

Fix: Limit names to once per page unless clarifying groups. Replace with 'hey' or gestures.

10. Dialogue carries no conflict

Polite agreement or neutral chat with zero push-pull or stakes.

Fix: Add opposition: one wants A, the other B. Escalate with specifics: 'Sell the farm? Over my dead body—it's all we have left.'

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