Scriptwriting Dialogue Writing

Question 1

What is 'subtext' in screenplay dialogue?

Accepted Answer

The underlying meaning beneath what characters literally say

Answer

Stage directions embedded in speech

Answer

A character's inner monologue written out

Answer

Dialogue spoken off-screen

Question 2

What is 'on-the-nose' dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Dialogue where characters state their feelings or intentions too directly

Answer

Dialogue that rhymes

Answer

Dialogue that is historically accurate

Answer

Dialogue that advances the plot quickly

Question 3

What does it mean for dialogue to 'do double duty'?

Accepted Answer

Each line reveals character AND advances plot simultaneously

Answer

The same line is repeated by two characters

Answer

Dialogue is used instead of action lines

Answer

A character speaks two languages in one scene

Question 4

Which of the following is a common sign of weak dialogue in a screenplay?

Accepted Answer

Characters explaining information they both already know (maid-and-butler dialogue)

Answer

Characters interrupting each other

Answer

Short punchy exchanges

Answer

Dialogue that includes slang

Question 5

What is a 'parenthetical' in screenplay dialogue format?

Accepted Answer

A brief direction placed below the character name indicating how a line is delivered

Answer

The character's name in parentheses

Answer

A line of dialogue in brackets

Answer

A stage direction at the end of a scene

Question 6

Why should screenwriters use parentheticals sparingly?

Accepted Answer

They can over-direct actors and undermine the dialogue's natural meaning

Answer

They add extra pages to the script

Answer

They are not permitted in feature screenplays

Answer

They confuse the director during production