"Someone once told me that good dialogue either advances the plot or develops character after editing hundreds of manuscripts I can confirm that is absolutely true If you identify a dialogue exchange in your own manuscript that is doing neither Cut it. Chit chat feels real, but in reality, it's dead weight That's not to say your characters can't talk about the mundane So for example two characters arguing about whose turn it is to do the dishes Can show us a lot about their power dynamic or a buried resentment or who they are in relation to one another Relationship development is character development Keep in mind that conflict between two characters doesn't have to mean them railing against each other or even nagging You can also mine great conflict between two characters who are generally in agreement and are working toward the same goal Just give them slightly different approaches to the solution make them push and pull in their effort to collaborate In terms of plot dialogue doesn't require you to be taking giant leaps forward Revealing small hints and clues about critical context can create a very powerful interaction If you found this video helpful, please like and follow for more content on dialogue and the craft of writing"