DIALOGUE

I think dialogue develops character and conflict most effectively in a story because it grounds that story in a dynamic exchange between characters within a specific situation that resists summary and moves plot. In Amy Bloom’s “Silver Water,” conflict that moves the story forward reveals itself through dialogue in many instances. For example, after the death of her doctor, Rose tells her parents, “’No meds,” which creates a conflict in two words for her parents as they try to cope with Rose’s illness for the first time on their own. The conflict continues as her mother responds, “If you take your medication, after a while you’ll be able to drive the car. That’s the deal. Meds, car,’” to convince Rose to consent to the family’s wishes. In this dialogue, power shifts from Rose to her mother, which draws readers further into the story. Readers continue reading to see if Rose will yield to the wishes of her family. Rather than summarizing this dynamic exchange, the author uses dialogue to create conflict unfolding before the reader in this way. Again, conflict reveals itself through dialogue when Rose says, “’I’m sorry don’t hate me,” after her aggressive outburst leaves both Violet and her mother injured and shaken. Here, the dialogue reveals Rose’s response to her own actions, which provides insight into Rose’s internal struggles in a way that Violet as the narrator cannot. Rose fighting against the power her illness holds over her capacity for expressing love not only reshapes the plot through conflict but also offers insight into the truest part of Rose’s character beneath the outward symptoms of her illness. Readers understand through this small instance of dialogue Rose’s true, loving, repentant character and its relentless strength. Thus, dialogue doubly shapes plot through character and conflict.