character-dialogue

--- name: character-dialogue description: | This skill provides Fountain format character and dialogue formatting rules. Covers character name formatting, extensions (V.O., O.S., CONT'D), dual dialogue, parentheticals, and proper dialogue block structure. Use when: introducing characters, writing dialogue blocks, formatting character names, handling dual dialogue, or using character extensions. --- # Character & Dialogue Skill ## Invocation Triggers Apply this skill when: - Introducing characters - Writing dialogue blocks - Formatting character names - Handling dual dialogue - Using character extensions ## Character Name Format ### Basic Format Character names must be: - ALL UPPERCASE - On their own line - Preceded by a blank line - Followed immediately by dialogue (no blank line) ```fountain SARAH Hello, John. ``` ### Character Extensions Extensions appear in parentheses after the name: | Extension | Meaning | When to Use | |-----------|---------|-------------| | `(V.O.)` | Voice Over | Character narrating or not in scene | | `(O.S.)` | Off Screen | Character in scene but not visible | | `(O.C.)` | Off Camera | Same as O.S. (alternate) | | `(CONT'D)` | Continued | Same speaker after action interruption | | `(PRE-LAP)` | Pre-lap | Audio starts before scene | | `(INTO PHONE)` | Delivery | Speaking into phone | | `(INTO RADIO)` | Delivery | Speaking into radio | | `(SUBTITLE)` | Translation | Foreign dialogue translated | ```fountain SARAH (V.O.) I never should have trusted him. JOHN (O.S.) Sarah? Are you home? SARAH In here! She turns toward the door. SARAH (CONT'D) I wasn't expecting you. ``` ### Forcing Mixed-Case Names Use `@` prefix for names that aren't all caps: ```fountain @McCLANE Yippee ki-yay. @DeVITO Don't start with me. ``` ## Dialogue Format ### Basic Dialogue ```fountain SARAH This is a line of dialogue. It can span multiple lines naturally. ``` ### Dialogue with Parenthetical ```fountain SARAH (hesitant) I don't think that's a good idea. JOHN (laughing) You always say that. (serious now) But this time I agree. ``` ### Parenthetical Guidelines - Use sparingly - Brief direction only - Lower case - On own line within dialogue block - Don't overuse - trust actors **Good parentheticals:** ```fountain (whispering) (to John) (beat) (re: the gun) (into phone) ``` **Bad parentheticals (avoid):** ```fountain (angrily, as if she can't believe what she's hearing) (walking across the room and picking up the vase) ``` ## Dual Dialogue (Simultaneous Speech) Characters speaking at the same time: ```fountain JACK I love you! JILL ^ I hate you! ``` The `^` after the second character name triggers side-by-side formatting. ### Dual Dialogue Guidelines - Use for overlapping speech - Second character gets the `^` - Both should be roughly equal length - Don't overuse - can be hard to follow ## Character Introduction ### First Appearance Format When a character first appears, their name is typically CAPITALIZED in action: ```fountain INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY SARAH CHEN (30s, sharp eyes, perpetually exhausted) sits alone at a corner table. ``` ### Introduction Best Practices - Age range, not exact age - Brief physical impression - One character-defining detail - Active description when possible **Good introductions:** ```fountain JOHN MARCUS (40s, ex-military bearing, softened by life) DETECTIVE PARK (50s, seen too much, says too little) YOUNG SARAH (8, all skinned knees and fierce determination) ``` **Avoid:** ```fountain SARAH, a beautiful woman in her 30s, enters. // "beautiful" is vague JOHN is tall with brown hair and blue eyes. // casting details ``` ## Character Consistency ### Naming Rules - Pick one name, use it consistently - Avoid switching between SARAH/MS. CHEN/SHE - If character is known differently by different people, pick one for script ### Exception Patterns ```fountain // Character is introduced under false identity STRANGER (later revealed as JOHN) Nice to meet you. // Later, after reveal JOHN Sorry about the deception. ``` ## Dialogue Best Practices ### Line Length - Keep lines speakable (read aloud) - Break at natural breath points - One thought per line when possible ### Subtext - Characters rarely say exactly what they mean - Let action contradict words - Use pauses and silence ```fountain SARAH I'm fine. She stares out the window, knuckles white on her coffee cup. ``` ### Avoiding "On the Nose" Instead of: ```fountain JOHN I'm angry because you betrayed me and now I can't trust you. ``` Try: ```fountain JOHN (quiet) I think you should leave. ``` ## Validation Checklist - [ ] Character names in UPPERCASE - [ ] Blank line before character names - [ ] No blank line between name and dialogue - [ ] Extensions in (PARENTHESES) - [ ] Parentheticals are brief and necessary - [ ] Mixed-case names use @ prefix - [ ] Dual dialogue uses ^ on second character - [ ] Character names are consistent throughout