Dialogue can be essential in a short story. It helps move the plot forward, creates a sense of immediacy, and gives the reader a better understanding of the characters' thoughts and feelings.
The dialogue in a short - story sample is a key element. It often shows the characters' motives. Through what they say, we can understand why they do certain things. For instance, if a character is constantly asking about a treasure, we can infer that they are motivated by greed. Dialogue also helps with character development over time. As the story progresses, changes in how a character speaks can reflect their growth or decline. If a once - shy character starts speaking more assertively, it indicates a development in their personality.
You can start by using quotation marks to clearly mark the dialogue. Make sure the words spoken by the characters fit the context and character traits.