Dialogue... Your character said what?

Dialogue is essentially dramatic action verbalized through speech or written word that’s about a character pursuing a goal. What is good dialogue in a novel, screenplay, or comic script? Unlike in real life, dialogue in fiction is not common ordinary conversation. People don't just discuss random things in scenes. Scenes are about characters using the art of speech to achieve what they want. Great dialogue in fiction always moves the story, or plot, forward and at the same time reveals something about the character to the audience. 

Another important function of dialogue is to express real human emotions. Every time a character speaks he or she is revealing their opinions and feelings about whatever the conflict is about, revealing their beliefs and personal bias. And ultimately how they believe the world "should" be. Should is a very important word to a character. We all have our "should", our definition of how things in our lives and our tiny universe ought to operate. One need only look to politics to see evidence of this. Belief is conflict. History proves this time and time again.

Dialogue is a form of dramatic action that is said for a reason, to obtain an objective of the character. Characters should not just constantly spout throw away exposition. This is important in film and theater because actors need to have an objective in order to bring out the character that they are playing. How do I say this line? Am I angry or sad? The illustrator needs to draw the character’s body language and through objective can orchestrate the character’s movement accordingly. Would this character stance be open or closed? Should she be forceful in her walk? All questions are answered through objective.

Often the most dramatic bits of dialogue are the words not spoken but implied. Watch/read the movie/play Doubt. Now that is a work of subtly. Never once do the characters outright say the words: child molestation, yet that is what the whole story is about. A nun confronts a priest she suspects of a hideous crime. They avoid being "too on the nose" and dance around the taboo issue, thus heightening the tension. Tension is good. Being blunt relieves tension, which is also good once things reach their boiling point or climax, and you can create an explosion with all that built up pressure. Think about the 'Elephant in the Room' and the right time to mention it, because once you do it'll start stampeding.

There needs to be a sense of mystery in your characters words. People around us are always holding back, out right lying, and omitting the whole truth. Everyone has secrets. We wear different masks in different social situations, hiding our true selves from others. Don't force feed your audience. Most aren't stupid, giving up too much too soon can leave them bored and worst of all annoyed. There is no greater sin in fiction than being boring.