Which statement best describes good dialogue?

• A. It must break up the narrative to show opinions.
• B. It must use simile and metaphor.
• C. It must seem natural and be pertinent.
• D. It must slow the plot.

Answer: (C)

Good dialogue sounds real and serves the story. When lines of speech feel like how people actually talk, the scene becomes believable and the characters come to life. But naturalness alone isn’t enough—dialogue should also be pertinent, meaning every line has a purpose: it reveals something about a character, shows relationships, or moves the plot forward. If dialogue exists merely to interrupt narration with opinions or flashy language, it can feel artificial or distracting. Likewise, using lots of simile or metaphor isn’t required for good dialogue, and overdoing it can make speech sound unnatural. Dialogue that stays focused on relevance and realism keeps the pace steady and the stakes clear, making the writing feel authentic and purposeful.