182 / Types of Writing
-^ Facial expressions, nonverbal mannerisms, and characters’ thoughts tell more
than the words. The reader can infer all kinds of details: The couple know each
other well; he knows what her face looks like without looking; he sees her toes
give away her fears; each recognizes the underlying unspoken messages behind
the other’s words; she suspects when he’s lying; she recognizes the now as an
affirmation of his effort to comfort her earlier.
-^ The paragraphing allows the reader to follow the speakers without he said or
she said after every set of quotation marks.
-^ Description and narration, developed in the paragraph structures, show the
meanings behind the words—the fears, suggestions, and mindless comments.
-^ Good description that shows rather than tells [see Chapter 10, Description],
helps the reader see, hear, feel, and taste the details.
-^ Accurate punctuation and capitalization help the reader follow the dialogue.
Using the process, sample, and analysis in this section, develop dialogue that follows
these suggestions. You should have a satisfactory product.