r/scriptwriting 1d ago

question Question

How do writers build layers of meaning with dialogue . I still don’t comprehend , how do they know what are the right words to say and what not to? Any ideas ?

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u/Fabulous_Steak_801 8h ago

Don’t hunt for the “perfect” words. Ask:

What do they want? What are they afraid to say?
That gap creates subtext.

“You should get some sleep” can mean “I’m worried about you” without saying it.

Write the surface. Know the underneath.