Powerful Arguments

Add Vitality to Both Your

Story and Characters

Powerful Arguments Will Show Your Character's Personality

Create characters with personalities that will clash naturally given the right spark. Then give them the that spark.

Each character will argue in a different way. choose how each character will argue. Give them a unique voice and style of arguing. Some people pout others Yell. Some use sarcasm or make jokes.

Let these verbal confrontations bring out hidden emotions.

Be sure the reader understands the stakes. How does the conflict affect your character’s goals? What do they stand to win; or lose?

It’s best if your reader can take sides from the beginning. You want your reader to be cheering for the home team.

Activate all the senses. Remember to show each character’s actions. Describe their tone of voice. What emotions show on their faces.  Help your reader visualize the argument.

For the argument to be compelling the reader needs to understand what is happening. What does each combatant want to achieve?

Both characters must want something from the other (respect, acquiescence, permission, or something tangible).

They must be fighting for a realistic reason. Foreshadowing may help the reader understand what the argument is all about.

Remember, dialogue is only part of your fight scene. In between the snappy one-liners and frustrated yelling there should be actions. What physical actions can you include with the verbal attacks that will add to the emotional impact? You must activate your reader’s imagination.

Help the reader visualize the scene.