How to Format Dialogue in Screenplays: Rules You Need to Know

In the world of film and television, where the visual and auditory experience reigns supreme, crafting compelling and authentic dialogue becomes a crucial skill for any scriptwriter, which is why it needs to be formatted correctly.  

Introducing Dialogue in a Script 

When introducing dialogue in a script, the first step is to identify the speaking character using a character cue.  

Character cues are written in all capital letters and aligned 3.5 inches from the left margin.  

For example: 

In this example, “MAX” is the character cue, indicating that the following dialogue belongs to the character named Max. The parenthetical* “(angrily)” provides additional context about MAX’s emotional state. Then below this, we have the line of dialogue.  

Parentheticals 

It should be noted that parentheticals aren’t needed for every line of dialogue, and should be used sparingly or not at all if that is your preference. Often the context of a scene will provide the actors with all the information they need to understand the character’s emotional state and they aren’t really needed.  

Pauses, Interruptions and Overlaps 

Another formatting consideration is how to indicate pauses, interruptions, and overlapping dialogue. 

Use ellipses (…) to denote a pause or hesitation in speech, and dashes (–) to show when a character is interrupted or abruptly cuts off their own dialogue.  

When multiple characters are speaking simultaneously, use dual dialogue, where the lines are placed side by side, separated by a vertical line. 

Voice Over 

Proper formatting of telephone conversations and voiceovers are also essential. For telephone conversations, indicate which character is on the other end of the line by placing their name in parentheses. 

Voiceovers are typically formatted with the abbreviation “V.O.” following the character’s name, like the example provided at the top of this blog.  

Formatting Rules for Dialogue 

To ensure clarity and readability, there are specific formatting rules for dialogue in scriptwriting: 

1. Dialogue is single-spaced and begins 2.5 inches from the left margin. 
2. Each line of dialogue should be no more than 3.5 inches wide, allowing for adequate whitespace on the page. 
3. If a character’s dialogue extends beyond one-line, subsequent lines are indented an additional 0.5 inches. 
4. Avoid using quotation marks around dialogue, as they are unnecessary in scriptwriting. Here’s an example of properly formatted dialogue: 

Notice how Sarah’s dialogue is single-spaced, begins 2.5 inches from the left margin, and  wraps to the next line with an additional 0.5-inch indent. This can all seem quite technical when broken down, which is why using scriptwriting software, like Celtx, can help you save time and also ensure your dialogue is formatted correctly all of the time.  

TIP: In Celtx’s script editor, each line of text or paragraph can be classified as one type of element. The TAB key allows writers to quickly change between acts, scene headings, characters, actions, dialogue and more. Try it today with a free Celtx account.

Examples from Scripts

Let’s take a look at how renowned scripts handle dialogue. In the script for The Social Network by Aaron Sorkin, we see the following exchange: 

Sorkin’s dialogue is sharp, concise, and reveals the tension between the characters. Notice how each character’s dialogue is properly formatted and attributed. 

Another example comes from the script for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind by Charlie Kaufman:

Kaufman’s dialogue is raw, honest, and showcases the vulnerability of the characters. Again, the formatting adheres to the established rules, making it easy for the reader to follow. 

Avoiding Common Problems 

While crafting dialogue, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls that can weaken your script.  

Exposition and Subtext 

One such pitfall is overusing expository dialogue or “on-the-nose” dialogue. Expository dialogue is when characters unnecessarily state information that the audience already  knows or can easily infer.  

Instead, aim for subtlety and trust your audience’s ability to fill in the gaps. In the realm of dialogue, what is left unsaid is often as powerful as what is explicitly stated.  

When writing dialogue, consider the subtext that drives each character’s actions and words. What are they really feeling or thinking, even if they don’t say it outright? By layering subtext into your dialogue, you create depth and complexity that engages the audience on a deeper level. 

Find the Rhythm 

Remember, good dialogue should flow organically and sound like genuine conversations. Pay attention to the way people speak in real life and incorporate those natural rhythms and imperfections into your dialogue. 

Distinct Voices 

Finally, ensure that you differentiate character voices and speech patterns. Each character should have a distinct way of expressing themselves, reflecting their personality and  background. If all your characters sound the same, it can make your script feel flat and unrealistic. By being mindful of these common pitfalls and actively working to avoid them, you can elevate the quality of your dialogue and create a more engaging and believable script. 

Refining Dialogue 

Crafting effective dialogue is a process that involves revision and refinement. One helpful technique is to read your dialogue aloud to assess its naturalness and flow. This can help you  identify any awkward or stilted phrases that need improvement. Seeking feedback from trusted readers or writing groups can provide valuable insights and suggestions for  enhancing your dialogue. Another way to assess your dialogue is to get a group of friends together, assign them each a character and perform a read through. Listening to other voices reading your words aloud can help you identify anything that doesn’t sound authentic and allow you an opportunity to hear your words spoken with intention.  

Conclusion 

Introducing dialogue in scriptwriting requires a combination of creativity and adherence to formatting conventions. By following the rules for character cues and dialogue formatting, writers can create scripts that are clear, professional, and engaging. As demonstrated by the examples from “The Social Network” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” well crafted dialogue has the power to captivate readers and bring characters to life. So, embrace the art of dialogue, and let your characters speak their truth.