Tips for Women Writing Men’s Characters’ Dialogue in Fiction
Creating compelling and believable characters in fiction requires writers to develop authentic dialogue that reflects the diverse range of human experiences. When women writers endeavor to write male characters’ dialogue, it is essential to approach the task with actual examples that truly reflect how men generally speak.
Tips for Women Writing Men’s Characters’ Dialogue in Fiction
Here again, women and men talk quite differently. On average, women speak about 21,000 words per day. Meanwhile, men average about a third, or around 7,000. To experience examples of this (even in a professionally produced context), simply watch an episode of Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table and a video of Gordon Ramsay.
Joanna will tell personal stories and share fond memories while going through the recipe, also pointing out her favorite times and occasions to make and serve the meal. By contrast, Gordon will talk about best culinary practices, and molecular gastronomy, while using short, direct phrases, like “pan hot,” “oil in,” and “chicken on.”
Study Real-Life Interactions
Observe and engage in real-life conversations involving men. Pay attention to their language patterns, sentence structures, vocabulary, and non-verbal cues. By studying authentic male communication, you can gain insights into how men express themselves and infuse that knowledge into your characters’ dialogue.
Put Individuality Over Stereotypes
Avoid relying on simplistic stereotypes or generalizations about how men speak. Remember that men, like women, are diverse individuals with varied backgrounds, personalities, and experiences. Focus on developing well-rounded male characters who possess unique voices, motivations, and perspectives that extend beyond traditional gender expectations.
Explore Diverse Perspectives
Men’s dialogue, just like women’s, is influenced by various factors such as cultural background, age, education, and personal experiences. Research and explore diverse male perspectives to understand the breadth of possibilities. Get into the rich tapestry of men’s lives to craft authentic and multifaceted characters.
Seek Input and Feedback
Engage in conversations with male friends, colleagues, or readers who can provide valuable insights and feedback on your male characters’ dialogue. Their perspectives can help ensure that your portrayal remains respectful, accurate, and avoids common pitfalls. This collaboration will enhance the authenticity and relatability of your characters.
Context Matters
Remember that dialogue is shaped by context. Consider the setting, time period, cultural norms, and social dynamics within your story. How men communicate in a professional environment may differ from how they converse with friends or in intimate relationships. Contextual nuances will add depth and authenticity to your male characters’ dialogue.
Language Style and Tone
Pay attention to the unique language style and tone of your male characters. Men may use direct and concise language, employing a different cadence and rhythm compared to women. However, it is important to avoid generalizations and ensure that individuality shines through in your characters’ speech patterns.
Emotional Expression
Challenge the notion that men are limited in their emotional expression. Portray male characters who display a wide range of emotions and vulnerabilities, just as women characters do. Men can experience love, sadness, fear, and joy, and their dialogue should reflect these emotions authentically.
Avoid Stereotypical Tropes
Avoid falling into the trap of reinforcing traditional stereotypes of masculinity. Break free from the notion that all male characters need to be stoic, aggressive, or emotionally distant. Explore the complexities of masculinity and embrace the full spectrum of emotions and behaviors in your male characters.
Dialogue and Character Development
Remember that dialogue is not only about gender but also about individual character development. Consider how each character’s speech reflects their goals, conflicts, relationships, and personal growth. Let their dialogue evolve and align with their journey, creating well-rounded and authentic male characters.
Feedback and Revision
Invite feedback from male beta readers or critique partners. Be receptive to constructive criticism and use it to refine your male characters’ dialogue. Continuously revise and iterate to ensure authenticity and resonance with readers.
Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue
Just like with writing women’s dialogue, it’s important to do your research and avoid stereotypes when writing men’s dialogue. Men are just as diverse as women, and their speech patterns reflect that diversity. Here are some tips for writing realistic dialogue for men:
- Consider the character’s age, social class, and education level. These factors can all affect the way a man speaks. For example, a young man from a lower-class background is more likely to use slang than an older man from an upper-class background.
- Think about the character’s personality. Is he shy or outgoing? Confident or insecure? His personality will also affect the way he speaks.
- Consider the context of the conversation. Is the character talking to a friend, a family member, or a stranger? The context of the conversation can also affect the way he speaks.
- Pay attention to details. When you’re writing dialogue for a male character, pay attention to the details. This includes things like word choice, sentence structure, and tone of voice. For example, men are more likely to use declarative statements than women. They’re also more likely to use jargon and technical terms.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. The best way to learn how to write realistic dialogue for men is to experiment. Try different things and see what works for you. There is no one right way to write dialogue, so don’t be afraid to break the rules.
To make the dialogue ring even more true and enhance a male character in whatever way you wish to do so, here are some additional tips for writing realistic dialogue for men:
- Avoid making all of your male characters sound the same. Men are just as diverse as women, and their speech patterns reflect that diversity. Don’t make all of your male characters sound like they’re from the same social class, have the same personality, or use the same slang.
- Don’t be afraid to give your male characters emotions. Men are just as capable of feeling emotions as women are. Don’t be afraid to show your male characters expressing a range of emotions, from anger to sadness to joy.
- Don’t be afraid to make your male characters flawed. Men are just as flawed as women are. Don’t be afraid to show your male characters making mistakes or having weaknesses.
When women writers approach writing men’s characters’ dialogue, it is crucial to prioritize authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to diverse representations. By studying real-life interactions, avoiding stereotypes, exploring diverse perspectives, seeking feedback, considering context, capturing language style and tone, embracing emotional expression, avoiding tropes, focusing on character development, and engaging in constant refinement, women writers can create male characters with depth, complexity, and authenticity.
By doing so, they contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced fictional landscape that resonates with readers of all genders. Remember, crafting authentic dialogue involves empathy, research, and a dedication to representing the rich tapestry of human experiences.
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Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
