BJoeR
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2010
- Member Type
- Interested in Language
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
Here are 3 examples. Can you explain the rules on how to write dialogue? When do I begin a new paragragh when quoting people in a conversation?
In question 1, I am commenting on my own quote. Do I start a new paragraph after alright? Or do I comment or narrate about my quote in the same paragraph?
In question 2, I'm commenting on my wife's quote. Do I start a new paragraph after fine, or do I narrate on her quote in the same paragraph?
In question 3, I'm describing Dr. Fortuna in the same paragraph. Is this correct? Or do I start a new paragraph to describe him? I've included some of our conversation in the next few paragraphs afterward. But I'm not sure where to begin a new paragraph? I'd appreciate your input.
1) “No. I’ll be alright.” I knew that going to the hospital probably meant having surgery. I got up a few minutes later. I was hungry but still in pain. I ate dinner, watched TV and then went to bed. I couldn't sleep. The pain was keeping me awake.
2) “I’m fine.” Claire always said she was fine. Even when she was feeling miserable.
3) “Hello Mr. Rad. I’m Dr. Fortuna. I’ll be performing the surgery.” Dr. Fortuna was middle aged, probably less than 40 years old, with dark hair and an average build.
“Hello Dr. Fortuna. What exactly does that entail?” I asked.
“I need to remove a couple of inches of your small intestine and your appendix, and then reconnect the healthy tissue of your intestine. You should be in the hospital for about ten days,” he said. Making it sound just a little too easy for comfort.
“Well, that doesn’t sound that bad.”
:-D Thanks.
Joe
In question 1, I am commenting on my own quote. Do I start a new paragraph after alright? Or do I comment or narrate about my quote in the same paragraph?
In question 2, I'm commenting on my wife's quote. Do I start a new paragraph after fine, or do I narrate on her quote in the same paragraph?
In question 3, I'm describing Dr. Fortuna in the same paragraph. Is this correct? Or do I start a new paragraph to describe him? I've included some of our conversation in the next few paragraphs afterward. But I'm not sure where to begin a new paragraph? I'd appreciate your input.
1) “No. I’ll be alright.” I knew that going to the hospital probably meant having surgery. I got up a few minutes later. I was hungry but still in pain. I ate dinner, watched TV and then went to bed. I couldn't sleep. The pain was keeping me awake.
2) “I’m fine.” Claire always said she was fine. Even when she was feeling miserable.
3) “Hello Mr. Rad. I’m Dr. Fortuna. I’ll be performing the surgery.” Dr. Fortuna was middle aged, probably less than 40 years old, with dark hair and an average build.
“Hello Dr. Fortuna. What exactly does that entail?” I asked.
“I need to remove a couple of inches of your small intestine and your appendix, and then reconnect the healthy tissue of your intestine. You should be in the hospital for about ten days,” he said. Making it sound just a little too easy for comfort.
“Well, that doesn’t sound that bad.”
:-D Thanks.
Joe
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