In this D-Script, we’re going to discuss character voice — the way people speak that makes them individual. This is an underrated but extremely important part of writing if you want to write strong, memorable characters.
Get Around This Post
- What is Character Voice?
- What Factors Impact Character Voice?
- How to Make Characters Distinct
- Creating the Character’s Voice
What Is Character Voice?
Character voice is the distinct way a character communicates. It’s unique enough it could be considered their verbal fingerprint. Just as every individual in the real world has their own way of speaking and a unique personality, fictional characters should also have a voice that reflects their individuality. It’s not just about making characters sound different from one another. It serves several crucial functions in storytelling:
Characterization and Authenticity: Character voice is a fundamental tool for character development as it helps readers connect with and understand the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, the realism and authenticity of a well-established character voice engages readers more fully and emotionally with the characters.
Identification: A well-defined character voice allows the audience to easily identify which character is speaking or acting, even without explicit attribution, such as dialogue tags (additions such as “Martha said”).
Plot Advancement: Changes in a character’s voice can foreshadow personal growth, inner turmoil, or other developments in the plot.
Support the Setting: In some cases, character voice can also impact the setting with the types of words being used and how they’re delivered giving insight into the world itself. Take a moment to go watch some clips from the TV series Firefly. They have a very distinct way of having characters speak, especially the main character. Firefly may not have lasted long, but it built a dedicated cult following in a very short time that exists to this day…my husband being one.
What Character Voice Reads Like: Sample Scene
In the below scene you should see four very distinct character voices. They implement not only different manners of speech (diction) and different word choices (vocabulary) but different emotional tones along with distinct personalities.
And Scene…
The coffee shop on Maple Street had become their regular haunt during their lunch break. Maya sipped her latte with an air of sophistication that came from her wealthy upbring and strict parents with high expectations.
“I must say, this new cafe is absolutely charming,” Her gaze wandered, appreciating the café’s recently updated decor. “The ambiance is delightful, don’t you think? It’s so refreshing to enjoy my latte in such an exquisite setting.”
Raj nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s nice. But let’s get to the point, Maya. What’s this big news you were talking about?”
Their friend, Lena returned from grabbing her coffee from the counter, sitting before leaning forward with sparkling eyes. “Oh, I can’t wait to hear! You’ve got us all on the edge of our seats! It must be something fantastic!”
The twinkle in Maya’s eyes made Jamal lean back and take a contemplative sip of his black coffee. “Don’t think of teasin’, Maya. Spit it out already. I ain’t got all day.”
“Shame on you, Jamal. I would do no such thing!” The mock hurt slipped from her face quickly, replaced by the light of excitement. “Well, everyone, I’m delighted to share that I’ve been appointed as the lead attorney for that high-profile case I mentioned. This will be a significant breakthrough for my career!”
Raj, typically the pragmatic one, offered a rare smile. “Good for you, Maya. You’ve worked hard for this.”
“That’s amazing!” Lena clapped her hands. “You’re going to be so famous! Can I tell everyone at college about my friend, the fancy lawyer?”
What Factors Impact Character Voice?
Character voice is impacted by many things. You should consider each when you’re developing a character but don’t need to use them all.
TIP: You may choose to write your first draft on the fly without much consideration of these differences, then change it during the editing process. That’s perfectly acceptable, so long as you generally keep in mind what you want this character to sound like while throwing your first draft together. Whatever works for you. My only warning is that if you don’t have a clear idea of who the character is and what their voice sounds like, you may not develop your characters as well through the story. A strong, well understood character voice will help you make consistent decisions about characters actions that may affect the plot.
Education Level
Education can have a significant impact on the words a character knows and uses in regular conversation. It can also change how they say these words (like getting pronunciations wrong, normal for their region, or absolutely correct despite how most people say it).
Person with Limited Education: “I gotta get to the doctor, something ain’t right.”
For someone with limited education, the language is informal and may include contractions and colloquialisms. The statement is direct and to the point but lacks sophistication in vocabulary and grammar. There are few times I’d recommend using contractions like “gotta” and the word “ain’t” isn’t really a word, but sometimes they do help define a character.
People may have limited education for numerous reasons, including ones out of their control. Be careful to avoid portraying people with limited education as crass, poor, dumb, or other generalizations. People may be incredibly smart but lost access to formal education. This doesn’t mean they’ve stopped working on developing themselves.
Person with Average Education: “I need to go to the hospital. I’m not feeling well and think I should see a doctor.”
Someone with an average education (I’m speaking from a western nation standpoint here) might express the statement using more standard speech. The sentence is grammatically correct and employs common vocabulary. It conveys the same message but in a slightly more polished manner.
Person with Higher Education: “I require medical attention at a hospital, as I believe I have a significant health concern.”
For someone with higher education, the language may be more formal and precise. The vocabulary used is more advanced, and the sentence structure is more complex. This reflects a greater command of language and a preference for clarity and specificity. Keep in mind though that not all people who have higher education have a large vocabulary or may avoid speaking any different than the average person.
Employment
Consider someone who spends long hours at a job that uses certain types of words and ways of speaking while there. They also may converse most with people who know those words, and this is natural with. As such, they may be more likely to automatically use that vernacular (a term for a type of speech variety, generally used to refer to a local language or dialect, as distinct from what is seen as a standard language*) in regular situations, maybe not registering the average person has no idea what they’re talking about. For example, doctors or military personnel. This isn’t restricted to these intense types of jobs, however. If you’ve worked restaurant before, you’ll probably notice these staff may carry certain terms and behaviours with them outside the job, the term “86” comes to mind (to 86 something means you’re out of it or can no longer make it).
So, let’s consider a simple statement, and how it might be expressed differently by the average person and then a person with specialized training:
Statement: “I need to go to the hospital. I’m not feeling well.”
The language here is straightforward and every day, without any specialized terminology.
Doctor’s Statement: “My symptoms are concerning. I’m going to head to the hospital to make sure this isn’t a pneumothorax.”
A doctor might use more formal language and specific terminology related to their profession. This reflects their training and familiarity with medical terminology.
*source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernacular
Temperament/Nature
Emotion impacts us in profound ways. People who live in a constant state of anger may be prone to using shorter words coupled with speaking louder and faster. We get more into this later as well when discussing emotional tone. The difference between speaking emotionally and temperament is that temperament is more permanent. Consider it the default setting for the person rather than something more fleeting.
Here are some temperament examples:
Angry:
- Volume: People with an angry temperament may speak louder, with a more forceful tone.
- Word Choice: They might use more aggressive or confrontational language, with shorter, sharper words.
- Cadence: Their speech might be rapid and clipped, reflecting impatience or agitation.
- Pitch: Their voice might either go low and deep (warning) or high and feverish (losing control)
Calm:
- Volume: people with a calm temperament tend to speak softly and evenly.
- Word Choice: They may use more soothing or gentle language, opting for longer, flowing sentences.
- Cadence: Their speech might have a relaxed rhythm, with pauses for emphasis rather.
- Pitch: Their voice may stay at an even, mid-level.
Anxious:
- Volume: Anxious people might speak more softly (trying to hide) or unintentionally loud.
- Word Choice: They may use words that express uncertainty or worry, and their sentences might be peppered with explanations or hesitations.
- Cadence: Their speech might be rushed, with a tendency to stumble over words or repeat themselves.
- Pitch: Their voice may be more high-pitched than normal.
Confident:
- Volume: Confident people often speak with clarity and conviction, with a steady volume.
- Word Choice: They may use assertive language, with clear, direct statements and vocabulary.
- Cadence: Their speech might have a measured pace, ensuring understanding. Though they may rattle on quickly if excited.
- Pitch: Their voice may stay at an even, mid-level or go higher if they’re excited about a topic.
Depressed:
- Volume: People experiencing depression may speak softly or with a flat tone.
- Word Choice: They might use language that reflects feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with a tendency towards negative or pessimistic statements.
- Cadence: Their speech might be slow and lethargic, with long pauses between words or sentences.
- Pitch: Their voice may be lower pitched than normal, lacking energy.
Energetic:
- Volume: Energetic people may speak with enthusiasm and a higher volume, conveying their excitement.
- Word Choice: They might use vibrant language and expressive words to convey their energy and passion.
- Cadence: Their speech might be rapid and possibly all over the place.
- Pitch: Excited people tend to pitch up, getting a high pitch to their voice.
Self Esteem and Mental Health
A person who has high self-esteem may be more likely to speak louder than someone with low self-esteem who is trying to avoid notice or judgement. They may also speak more fluidly, talking with a more casual, flowing speech pattern, where that person with low self-esteem may either speak rapidly to get it over with or hesitantly. These are, of course, generalizations as humans as a whole are complex creatures with varying ways in how we approach everything.
There are certain types of people, however, that I wanted to address here though as this type of character is fairly common in novels, especially with villains or characters not meant to be liked. We’re talking people with a superiority complex. This is a behavior that suggests a person believes they’re somehow superior to others. People with superiority complexes often have exaggerated opinions of themselves. They may believe their abilities and achievements surpass those of others. However, they may in fact be doing so in order to overcompensate for feelings of inferiority.
Often this feeling of inferiority will make them feel they are worthless or are worthless. To counteract these negative emotions, they may seek to assert superiority over others. This may cause them to use unnecessarily complex language to feel better when other people struggle to understand the words they’re using.
If tying your character’s voice to traumas or mental health, think about how these things impact them on a constant level. Think of the core emotions that are driving them. Then, head to the Emotional Tone section to explore what that might look like when you write their voice.
Social Standing
Let’s look into the different aspects of social standing (beyond education) that can influence character voice.
Upbringing and Environment
Characters from affluent backgrounds (they have lots of money) might speak with a more refined accent, using sophisticated vocabulary and proper grammar. Their speech may reflect exposure to cultural activities and experiences associated with privilege. Conversely, characters from lower socioeconomic backgrounds might speak with regional accents or dialects, and their vocabulary and grammar might be influenced by their environment. They may use colloquialisms or slang common to their community.
Keep in mind, people with a lot of money tend to (but not always) live in areas that people without a lot of money cannot afford, as well as participate in activities beyond the reach of those without many resources. This sort of thing makes it more likely that people of different socioeconomic backgrounds interact with people similar to them, thus reinforcing beliefs and speech patterns.
Social Etiquette and Formality
Characters from higher social classes may adhere to formal speech conventions and observe etiquette norms in their interactions. They may use titles, honorifics, and polite language to convey respect and social status. This may be reinforced behaviour in their social circles. This is especially true historically when the class system did everything it could to make the rich stand out from the poor.
Characters from lower social classes may have a more relaxed or informal speaking style, with less emphasis on formalities. Their speech may be characterized by directness and pragmatism, reflecting a focus on practical concerns over social niceties. It’s absolutely possible these people can blend in with each other, but that may involve exposure, understanding, education, or other training.
Self-Perception and Aspiration
Characters may adapt their speech to project a certain image or fit in with a particular social group. For example, someone from a modest background who aspires to upward mobility might consciously adopt speech patterns associated with higher social classes. On the other hand, a character from a privileged background who rejects societal expectations or rebels against their upbringing may deliberately adopt a more casual or unconventional speaking style to assert their individuality.
How to Make Characters Distinct
Now that you know what impacts character voice, how is it that you actually make characters distinct through character voice? Here are some tips! We expand on most of these a little later.
Know Your Characters
Start by understanding each character’s personality, background, and motivations. Their voice should be a reflection of who they are. If you need help establishing this or are just looking for a place to log that info for later use, check out our D-Script on Write Engaging Characters Your Readers Will Remember. This has downloadable worksheets for both main and supporting characters, but also an overview of that content you don’t need to download if that’s how you roll.
Diction and Vocabulary
Diction is the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Pay attention to the words your characters use. Are they eloquent or colloquial? Do they favor certain phrases or expressions? A character’s choice of words can reveal a lot about their education, background, or personality.
TIP: You may not possess the vocabulary you want a character to have. There are many things you can do to overcome this.
1. Use a thesaurus, but maybe double and triple check the word you pick does actually apply. You can use AI such as ChatGPT or Google CoPilot to ask it to review your word choices.
2. Ask AI, like those above, to tell you how a character like that might sound or how they may say something. BUUUUUT, keep in mind AI can often over exaggerate nuances, so it’s best to take answers cautiously.
3. Watch videos of someone who speaks like you want your character to. If you’re going for accuracy, don’t use TV shows or movies. Though they’re getting better at fact checking this sort of thing, there’s a long way to go still and sometimes the over exaggeration can be purposeful. Watch interviews, documentaries, etc. where these people are casually talking. This is especially useful with different cultures and accents. Bonus points, you can watch mannerisms as well.
4. Talk to someone who speaks like you want your character to speak and ask them questions about how they may say something.
If you have other ideas on how to overcome this, put them in the comments!
Speech Patterns
Consider the rhythm and pacing of a character’s speech. Some characters may speak rapidly, while others are more deliberate. Do they pause frequently or talk in long, flowing sentences?
Idiosyncrasies
You can introduce unique quirks or idiosyncrasies in the way characters speak. This could be a tendency to use metaphors, a habit of peppering their speech with humor, or a fondness for a specific type of language (e.g., technical jargon, regional slang), etc.
Cultural and Regional Influences
Characters’ voices can be influenced by their cultural or regional backgrounds. Take into account accents, dialects, or cultural references that may shape their speech. Make sure to read the section on this below, including the warnings about doing so.
Maintain Consistency
Consistency is key. Ensure that a character’s voice remains consistent throughout the narrative. Sudden shifts in their speech can disrupt the reader’s immersion. That said, it may change as they evolve as a character. Make sure that if you’re doing this, to do it slowly as to not confuse the reader. What might trump the slow change, however, is a major even that deeply impacts the character.
Tips from an Editor
I recently came across Michelle Meade on TikTok just as I was starting to write this post. She offers more tips on writing great dialogue that goes beyond just character voice. I’ve included that video here, but you can also check out her other videos on Tiktok or on Instagram. Overall, she has a lot of useful writing and industry tips.
Other resources you can consider are voice actors! Believe it or not, some great advice on this comes from them. A voice actor is a person who creates the voices for many different characters across many shows without being seen themselves. These voices are generally distinct from one another, unless the person is being hired for their natural voice (think Morgan Freeman).
Below is a video with advice from one of these actors on how they do this. You can take this advice and work it into your writing. It’s centred around what people can hear vs what people read, but it’s a good start and has some great description words in it.
Creating the Character’s Voice
Alright, so we’ve discussed the background information, now to get into dive into how to actually do it!
Create Diction Differences
These are the specific words a character chooses to use. Some characters may favor formal or sophisticated language, while others might use more casual or slang expressions.
Example 1: Formal Diction vs. Informal Diction
Character 1 (Formal Diction): “I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend the engagement this evening due to a prior commitment.”
Character 2 (Informal Diction): “Sorry, can’t make it to the party tonight. Got something else going on.”
In this example, Character 1 uses formal diction with precise language and polite expressions, while Character 2 employs informal diction with shorter sentences, contractions, and a casual tone. This contrast reveals their different communication styles and perhaps their social backgrounds or personalities.
Example 2: Professional Diction vs. Colloquial Diction
Character 1 (Professional Diction): “The corporation is experiencing a period of financial volatility, which necessitates immediate cost-cutting measures to optimize efficiency.”
Character 2 (Colloquial Diction): “The company’s going through a rough patch, so we gotta start pinchin’ pennies to make things run smoother.”
Here, Character 1 uses professional diction characterized by formal and technical language, while Character 2 employs colloquial diction with informal and everyday expressions. The differing diction illustrates the characters’ familiarity with the corporate world and their level of comfort in using technical or casual language.
This being said, I recommend against using terms like “gotta” or “pinchin'” more than very occasionally. They can throw off the flow of your writing, forcing readers to slow down and study the words rather than focusing on the context. It could better be written as “the company is going through a rough patch, so we have to start pinching pennies to make things run smoother”.
Outside Resource: What Is Diction? Learn 8 Different Types of Diction in Writing with Examples
Have Vocabulary Differences
Vocabulary is influenced by education levels and where we spend our time. It’s the extent of a character’s word knowledge, including the use of specialized terminology, jargon, or personal vocabulary. The previous section touches on this, but let’s go further. Before we do though, I’ll use myself as an example of the difference between diction and vocabulary.
Naturally, I speak in what would be considered a colloquial way. I’m very informal. Despite having mixed with rooms full of millionaires in formal settings, and despite my tendency to change how I speak depending on what I’m doing, I struggled in those situations to not be my authentic, colloquial self, f-bombs and all. That said, I have a fairly extensive vocabulary. Some of that might shine through in the posts I create. That said, I often take the time to explain larger and/or less common words for people of all education levels, or purposely avoid using words I know would send a lot of people to a dictionary. And just because I know fancy words doesn’t mean I default to them anyway (using ‘diction’ all the time in this D-Script is killing me, but it’s the right word).
Honestly, I think a lot of people are like this.
Anyway, on with it!
Example 1: Extensive Vocabulary vs. Limited Vocabulary
Character 1 (Extensive Vocabulary): “The serendipitous convergence of events culminated in a felicitous outcome, which I found particularly gratifying.”
Character 2 (Limited Vocabulary): “Lots of things happened at the same time, and it turned out really good, which made me super happy.”
In this example, Character 1 demonstrates an extensive vocabulary with words like “serendipitous,” “culminated,” and “felicitous,” while Character 2 uses simpler, everyday language. The contrast in vocabulary knowledge highlights the characters’ different levels of education or communication skills.
Character 1 is the type of character most people would find obnoxious and is a lot like the example under self-esteem and mental health that I focussed on.
Example 2: Specialized Vocabulary vs. General Vocabulary
Character 1 (Specialized Vocabulary): “The phytoplankton population has experienced a dramatic surge, likely due to an increase in nutrient influx and optimal environmental conditions.”
Character 2 (General Vocabulary): “There are way more tiny plant things in the water, probably ’cause more nutrients are flowing in and the environment’s just right.”
In this example, Character 1 employs specialized vocabulary related to a specific field (marine biology), while Character 2 uses general vocabulary…I’ll admit, almost comically. The difference in vocabulary knowledge suggests that Character 1 has expertise in a particular area, while Character 2 communicates in a more general, accessible manner, and may not have a lot of education around that subject.
Here, character 1 seems less obnoxious and more knowledgable due to the nature of the way they’re talking. The words are not overly complex, but appropriate for their level of knowledge while being understandable to a wider variety of people.
Create Differences in Speech Patterns
This is the rhythm, pacing, and flow of a character’s speech. Do they speak quickly, slowly, or with frequent pauses?
Example 1: Rapid Speech Pattern vs. Slow Speech Pattern
Character 1 (Rapid Speech Pattern): “Igottagosorrylateforameetingcanwecontinuethislater?”
Character 2 (Slow Speech Pattern): “I … have to … go now. I’m … sorry. I’m … running late … for a… meeting. Can we… continue… this… conversation… later?”
Both these characters are talking in an extreme way. Now, in this example, Character 1 exhibits a rapid speech pattern with quick and slurred words, while Character 2 speaks slowly, enunciating each word. The contrast in speech patterns reflects different paces and levels of urgency in their conversations.
You wouldn’t use either of these in writing as they are both hard on the eyes. Rapid speech might be written out like this for two or three words, but it’s best to use dialogue tags to imply rapid speech.
For example:
“I’m late for a meeting and have to go. Can we continue this later?” he blurted almost too fast to understand.
or,
“I’m late for a meeting and have to go. Can we continue this later?” His words were a blur that took his friend several seconds to understand.
If this is a common way for the character to speak, that can be added to a few dialogue tags in the form of a ‘As usual, Damian spoke so rapidly that Martin needed a few seconds to understand what he was saying’.
The same goes for slow speech patterns. You can use ellipsis (…) to slow down writing, but you use them sparingly. This is also where you might use dialogue tags as well, or some em dashes (—) to indicate pausing, again very occassionally.
For example: “I have to go now…I’m sorry. I’m running late for a meeting.” He paused. “Can we continue this later?”
This gives the impression of slowness, slowing the reader, without being overwhelming.
Learn more about pacing by reading: Pacing – Measuring Time in Writing
Example 2: Fluent Speech Pattern vs. Hesitant Speech Pattern
Character 1 (Fluent Speech Pattern): “I’ve always believed that we should follow our dreams, no matter how challenging they may seem. Life’s too short to hesitate.”
Character 2 (Hesitant Speech Pattern): “I, um, well, I’ve, you know, thought that maybe we, uh, should follow our dreams, even if, um, they’re, um, really, hard. Life’s, like, too short, I think.”
In this example, Character 1 speaks with a fluent and confident speech pattern, while Character 2 exhibits a more hesitant and uncertain way of speaking. The differing speech patterns reflect their levels of confidence and decisiveness in expressing their thoughts and beliefs.
Additionally, You Can Use…
Speech impediments are another way to add to your character’s identity and voice. There are a number of speech impediments out there, but probably the most common one is stuttering. To aid in this D-Script, I put together another D-Script talking about how to write stuttering: Describe It: Writing a Character Who Stutters
Give Them Emotional Tone
How does a character’s voice reflect their emotional state? Are they generally upbeat, sarcastic, anxious, or somber?
Example 1: Upbeat Emotional Tone vs. Somber Emotional Tone
Character 1 (Upbeat Emotional Tone): “I can’t believe how lucky I am! Everything is going so well, and I’m excited about the future!”
Character 2 (Somber Emotional Tone): “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed these days. Things have been tough, and it’s hard to see a way out of it.”
In this example, Character 1 conveys an upbeat emotional tone with words like “lucky,” “excited,” and “going well,” while Character 2 expresses a somber emotional tone using words like “overwhelmed,” “tough,” and “hard.” The contrasting emotional tones reveal their differing states of mind and attitudes.
Example 2: Anxious Emotional Tone vs. Confident Emotional Tone
Character 1 (Anxious Emotional Tone): “I’m not sure if I can do it. I’m really anxious about the presentation. What if I mess up?”
Character 2 (Confident Emotional Tone): “I’m fully prepared for the presentation. I’m confident that I can deliver it flawlessly.”
In this example, Character 1 exhibits an anxious emotional tone with phrases like “not sure,” “anxious,” and “mess up,” while Character 2 conveys a confident emotional tone using words like “fully prepared,” “confident,” and “flawlessly.” The contrasting emotional tones reflect their levels of confidence and emotional states in relation to the upcoming presentation.
The words people use often relay their emotional state, but so does the speed in which they speak and volume, but it isn’t always clear cut, so you’ll want to use cues or dialogue tags to help out.
Help with Expressing Emotion
The following posts have sections to help you express emotions via the voice. The number of reference articles will grow as we get to more emotions.
- Describe It: Numbness to Dissociation
- Describe It: Disgust and Disdain
- Describe It: Love
- Describe It: Confusion
- Describe It: Grief
- Describe It: Depression (Mental Health Deep Dive)
- Describe It: Sadness
- Describe It: Excitement
- Describe It: Happiness
- Describe It: Tiredness/Exhaustion
- Describe It: Surprise and Shock
- Describe it: Fear / Panic
- Describe it: Anxiety / Nervousness
- Describe It: Anger
Consider Idiosyncrasies
Unique quirks or habits in a character’s speech. This could involve specific phrases, metaphors, or speech tics that are distinctive to that character. This could look like:
Repetitive phrases or words: Characters might have certain phrases or words they frequently repeat, reflecting their speech patterns or personality quirks.
Unusual speech patterns: Characters might speak in a non-standard or unconventional manner, such as using backward sentence structures or unusual word choices, which can make their speech memorable and distinct. This may be most common in people who are learning a new language or who aren’t quite fluent in a language.
Unique vocal tics: Characters could have specific vocal tics or mannerisms, such as clearing their throat frequently, stuttering, or using filler words like “um” or “you know,” which can add realism and individuality to their dialogue.
Quirky metaphors or similes: Characters might use quirky or unconventional metaphors or similes in their speech, reflecting their creativity, humor, or unique perspective on the world.
Interrupted speech: Characters may frequently interrupt themselves or others mid-sentence, reflecting their impulsive nature, scattered thoughts, or eagerness to express themselves.
Distinctive vocal qualities: Characters might have distinctive vocal qualities, such as a deep voice, a nasal tone, or a high-pitched laugh, which can make their speech more memorable and help readers to visualize and connect with them.
Did you know? In modern times, people who are lying or playing a role are more likely to not use contractions such as can’t, don’t, won’t. They’re more likely to use the full version such as “cannot”, “do not”, and “would not”. You can learn more about the vocabulary changes that come when someone’s lying by reading this article from Walden University: Telltale Signs You’re Being Lied To
Using Accents and Dialects…Carefully
In cases where a character’s background or cultural heritage is relevant, their voice may include accents or dialect differences. These can add depth and authenticity to your fiction novel, but it’s essential to approach this technique with sensitivity and awareness.
Tips for Writing Accents and Dialects
Research thoroughly: Take the time to research the specific accent or dialect you want to portray in your novel. Listen to recordings, watch videos, or read books written by authors from the region or community you’re depicting. Keep in mind that countries often have several different dialects and accents. For example, Ireland could fit in the province I live in about 3-4 times over but has several dozen distinct dialects and accents.
That said, if you’re using an actor for research, do not watch them in a role. Use situations where they’re being themselves, such as interviews. You might otherwise get a false version of the accent or dialects. For example, many people assume the way people speak in anime is accurate to the way Japanese people speak. It is not.
Use sparingly: Avoid overloading your dialogue with phonetic spellings or excessive dialect. A few well-chosen words or phrases can effectively convey the character’s accent without overwhelming the reader. You can also use dialogue tags to help with this, such as, “his Kilkenny accent flared as anger set in”. You can also shake it up with other periodic reminders of the person’s place of origin.
To show how overwhelming accents can be on the page, let’s look at this example: “‘Ach, dinnae fash yersel’, lass.” While this could be considered accurate, image the reader having to slow down to interpret anytime the character speaks.
Focus on key markers: Identify the key markers of the accent or dialect you’re representing, such as distinctive vocabulary, pronunciation patterns, or grammatical structures. Incorporate these selectively to capture the character’s speech patterns authentically.
Balance readability and authenticity: Strive for a balance between readability and authenticity. While it’s essential to capture the character’s unique voice, ensure that their dialogue remains understandable to readers without compromising its distinctiveness.
Avoid stereotypes: Be mindful of stereotypes or caricatures when depicting characters with accents or dialects. Treat each character as an individual with depth and complexity, rather than reducing them to exaggerated stereotypes based on their speech. Stereotypes related to speech can be harmful as they often oversimplify and generalize the speech patterns of individuals or groups. Here’s a list of speech-related stereotypes along with examples, along with suggestions on how authors can avoid them:
- Regional Accents as Indicators of Intelligence or Social Status:
- Stereotype: Portraying characters with certain regional accents as less intelligent or of lower social status.
- Example: Depicting a character with a Southern accent as uneducated or backward.
- Avoidance: Avoid linking accents to intelligence or social status. Showcase the diversity and richness of accents without assigning value judgments.
- Ethnic or Cultural Accents as Indicators of Criminality or Villainy
- Stereotype: Associating ethnic or cultural accents with criminal behavior or villainous traits.
- Example: Portraying a character with a foreign accent as a deceitful or sinister antagonist.
- Avoidance: Challenge stereotypes by portraying characters from diverse backgrounds in a range of roles and characteristics. Avoid using accents as shorthand for morality or ethics.
- Exaggerated or Comic Accents for Humor
- Stereotype: Using exaggerated or comic accents for comedic effect, often at the expense of accuracy or sensitivity.
- Example: Depicting a character with a heavy Scottish accent as a caricatured, bumbling sidekick.
- Avoidance: Strive for authenticity and respect when portraying accents. Avoid relying on exaggerated stereotypes for humor and instead focus on character development and situational comedy.
- Monolithic Speech Patterns Within Ethnic or Cultural Groups
- Stereotype: Assuming that all members of a particular ethnic or cultural group speak in the same way.
- Example: Portraying all characters of Irish descent as speaking with a heavy brogue or using stereotypical Irish expressions. For example, you will rapidly lose the respect of an Irish person if you use “top of the mornin’ to ya”.
- Avoidance: Recognize the diversity within cultural and ethnic groups by portraying characters with varied speech patterns, dialects, and accents.
- Gendered Speech Patterns
- Stereotype: Associating certain speech patterns or linguistic features with a specific gender.
- Example: Depicting women as using more emotional or hesitant speech patterns compared to men.
- Avoidance: Avoid reinforcing gender stereotypes by portraying characters of all genders with a range of speech styles and characteristics.
- Class-Based Speech Stereotypes
- Stereotype: Linking speech patterns to social class and making assumptions about a character’s background or upbringing based on their speech.
- Example: Portraying characters with upper-class accents as sophisticated and refined, while characters with working-class accents are depicted as coarse or uncultured.
- Avoidance: Challenge class-based stereotypes by depicting characters with diverse backgrounds and speech patterns. Avoid equating speech with character traits such as morality or intelligence.
- Stigmatizing Speech Disorders or Differences
- Stereotype: Stigmatizing characters with speech disorders or differences by portraying them negatively or as objects of ridicule or pity.
- Example: Depicting a character with a stutter as socially awkward or incompetent.
- Avoidance: Treat characters with speech disorders or differences with empathy and respect. Avoid using their condition as a source of humor or as a defining characteristic.
Writing Accents Phonetically
As mentioned above, you want to do this sparingly. Still, let’s take a look at how you might do it. We’re going to use an example that uses the accent too much, and then the balanced option:
COCKNEY
Overwhelming: “Cor blimey, guv’nor! What’s all this then? I ain’t seen nuffink like it afore!”
Balanced: “Cor blimey, guv’nor! What’s all this then? I haven’t seen anything like it before!”
The beginning part of both of those examples uses phonetic spelling (phonetic means how it sounds which can be different than how it’s spelled). The first continues to use it, but we want to keep those unfamilair spellings sparse so they don’t change the pace of your work, or cause the reader to get frustrated.
Other ways to indicate a “non-standard” way of speaking which is also phonetic can me to do things like replacing the G at the end of “ing” with a ‘. You can use this more frequently as it is less disruptive.
Example: “I was walkin’ down the street”
Or you can use ‘ to indicate any letter or sound has been dropped entirely, even if it’s mid word. Again, use this one sparingly.
Seek Feedback
Consider seeking feedback from beta readers or sensitivity readers who are familiar with the accent or dialect you’re representing. Ideally, someone from that area. Their insights can help you refine your portrayal and ensure cultural authenticity and sensitivity.
Warnings About Writing Accents and Dialects
Risk of misrepresentation: Writing accents or dialects inaccurately can risk misrepresenting or caricaturing the speech patterns of real communities or cultures. Avoid relying on stereotypes or caricatures and strive for authenticity and respect in your portrayal. Many articles on this site get into how to avoid stereotypes and misrepresentation of groups of people. Make sure to poke around to find the ones you need.
Reader discomfort: Some readers may find phonetic spellings, excessive use of colloquialisms such as “gotta”, or heavy accents challenging or off-putting to read. Consider the preferences and expectations of your target audience and aim to strike a balance between authenticity and readability.
Cultural appropriation: Be cautious about appropriating accents or dialects from marginalized or minority communities without proper understanding or sensitivity. Approach the portrayal of accents and dialects with respect and awareness of the cultural implications.
Impact on pacing: Writing dialogue with accents or dialects can affect the pacing of your narrative, as readers may need to slow down to decipher the speech. Be mindful of how this impacts the flow of your story and adjust accordingly to maintain momentum.
More Help with Writing Accents
Listen to the below videos or find other videos of the language you want. Pay attention to the words the speakers use to describe these languages and accents. You can then use those terms in your book. There is no better resource than linguists and people who are native to the area.
MORE Tips
Using Narrative Queues and Dialogue Tags
We talked earlier about not overwhelming your reader with too much phonetic spelling or overused dialect. Ways to do this include:
INTRODUCE THE ACCENT EARLY AND REMIND PERIODICALLY
Within a few lines of introducing the character and them speaking, you should mention the person has an accent. This is only when this person has an accent others don’t have. No need to point it out if everyone speaks like that. Your readers will likely forget that your character has an accent later, so periodically remind them through judicious use of small cues. This could be by dropping in an iconic word here and there (that is, one that the people are known for), such as bloke, lad, yawl, amigo, yonder, etc. Just make sure those words are actually still used.
You can also be more direct by just outright saying it.
- Maria entered the bustling café and heads turned. As she ordered, her words flowed with a smooth Spanish lilt.
- A voice like warm honey cut through the chill air. Hannah’s vowels lingered longer, her consonants softer, betraying the Irish countryside she hailed from.
- As Alex made his presentation, he couldn’t help but notice the curious glances his Texan drawl elicited from passersby.
- Tomie hadn’t noticed the man had an accent until he had been speaking for several sentences. She was pretty certain it was an Indian accent but which she didn’t know.
USE DIALOGUE TAGS
Using dialgue tags to remind of an accent or even introduce it is another way to go to avoid overwhelming your reader. Here’s some examples:
- “‘Ay mate, fancy a cuppa?” asked Liam, his Australian twang heavy enough it took Gerard a second to understand.
- ” ‘Excuse, please, where is the library?’ asked Maria, her Russian accent colouring each carefully enunciated word.
- …his Spanish accent infused each syllable with a rhythmic cadence.
Additional Resources
Looking for even more information on writing accents, here’s a list of other articles for you to look at:
- How to convey accents in fiction writing: Beyond phonetic spelling
- How to Write Character Accents: 5 Tips for Using Dialects in Writing
- Accents in a Novel: Things to Consider
- How to write accents and dialects in fiction
- The POC Guide to Writing Dialect In Fiction
Use Cultural and Regional References…Carefully
The cultural and regional context can influence a character’s vocabulary and references. Characters from different backgrounds may use distinct expressions or idioms.
When incorporating cultural and regional references into your fiction novel, it’s essential to approach them with sensitivity and awareness of the potential impact on your narrative and readership. I’ve said it a few times before, but go watch some interviews of actors or others from the region and really listen to how they naturally speak, not how they speak in a movie or other role. TV and movies REALLY tend to play up cultural differences and even stereotypes. My example about how Japanese people do not talk like characters from an anime still applies here.
Tips for Writing Cultural and Regional References
Research extensively: Take the time to research the cultural and regional references you plan to include in your novel. Familiarize yourself with the history, traditions, customs, and perspectives of the communities you’re depicting to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Show, don’t tell: Integrate cultural and regional references organically into the narrative through characters, settings, dialogue, and events. Show how these elements shape the characters’ identities, experiences, and interactions, rather than relying on exposition or explanation.
In Writing, What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Even Mean?
Highlight diversity: Reflect the diversity within cultural and regional communities by incorporating a range of perspectives, voices, and experiences into your novel, if you can. Avoid presenting a monolithic or stereotypical portrayal of any culture or region and strive to capture its complexity and richness. Examples of stereotypical portrayals are easiest to point out with movies. Think about how you seen Russian people portrayed in western media, for example. Or how in fantasy books and movies which cultures (and skin colours – I’m putting this link here as it has a lot of info on these stereotypes) tend to be invaders, evil, or barbaric.
Use context clues: Provide context clues within the narrative to help readers understand unfamiliar cultural or regional references. Show how characters navigate their cultural identities and relationships, and how these dynamics influence their behavior and choices.
“Context clue” refers to information provided within the text that helps readers infer the meaning of a word or phrase they may not be familiar with. Context clues can include surrounding words, phrases, or sentences that offer clues about the meaning of the unfamiliar term.
Seek authenticity: Collaborate with cultural consultants, sensitivity readers, or individuals from the communities you’re depicting to ensure authenticity and accuracy in your portrayal. Incorporate their insights, feedback, and perspectives to enrich your narrative and avoid misrepresentation.
Respect cultural nuances: Be mindful of cultural nuances, sensitivities, and taboos when incorporating cultural and regional references into your novel. Respect the diversity of beliefs, values, and practices within the communities you’re representing, and avoid perpetuating stereotypes or misconceptions.
Celebrate cultural heritage: Highlight the richness and beauty of cultural and regional traditions, arts, cuisine, language, and folklore in your novel. Celebrate the unique aspects of each culture or region while acknowledging their interconnectedness and shared humanity. Keep in mind, however, that just because someone is part of a culture, it doesn’t mean that’s all they are. A good example of this is how Indigenous people are often portrayed wearing historical or ceremonial regalia as if that’s what they might go to the store to get groceries in.
Promote empathy and understanding: Use cultural and regional references as opportunities to promote empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. Invite readers to engage with unfamiliar cultures and regions with curiosity, openness, and respect.
Warnings About Writing Cultural and Regional References
Risk of misappropriation: Appropriating cultural and regional references without proper understanding or respect can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, distortions, or misrepresentations. Be cautious about appropriating elements from marginalized or minority cultures without meaningful engagement or sensitivity.
Potential for offense: Cultural and regional references can evoke strong emotions and reactions from readers, particularly if they’re portrayed inaccurately, insensitively, or superficially. Anticipate potential sources of offense or misunderstanding and address them thoughtfully in your writing.
Stereotyping and tokenism: Avoid reducing cultural or regional identities to superficial stereotypes or tokenistic representations. Ensure that your characters and settings are multifaceted, nuanced, and authentically grounded in the lived experiences of the communities you’re depicting.
Misinterpretation or miscommunication: Cultural and regional references may not always be universally understood or interpreted in the same way by all readers. Be prepared for diverse reactions and interpretations of your novel’s portrayal of culture and region and be open to dialogue and feedback.
Impact on accessibility: Some readers may find cultural or regional references unfamiliar or inaccessible, particularly if they’re from different cultural backgrounds or geographic locations. Consider how these references may impact the accessibility and relatability of your novel to a diverse audience.
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