Overextended Conversation Explanation: Dangers and Steps to Prevent It in Dialogues
In a recent fantasy novel, the author's penchant for explanation added deadweight, creating a less immersive and less respectful reading experience. The dialogue, for instance, often repeated information from the narrative, such as Marcella's concern about entering Marcus's room due to the risk of another violent outburst.
Marcella's hesitation stemmed from a previous violent episode where Marcus mistook her for someone else and injured her. Yet, the dialogue between Marcella and Angelina, the novel's narrating character, repeated this information without adding new insights or emotional depth. This repetition made the dialogue feel condescending to readers, as if the author did not trust their ability to understand or retain information.
Effective dialogue allows the story to speak for itself, avoiding unnecessary explanations. The best fiction, after all, respects the intelligence of its readers. Readers are generally smarter than authors might think, and they appreciate being treated with respect and trust.
The dialogue in the fantasy novel, however, seemed to be addressed not just to another character, but also to the readers. This approach can undercut characters and slow the story, as was the case in this novel.
Despite these shortcomings, the fantasy novel was otherwise a smart and funny romp. Trusting readers and not overexplaining can lead to a more efficient and enjoyable reading experience. As writers, it is important to remember this and not treat readers like they are not smart enough to keep up. Treating readers like they are not smart enough can shatter the trust writers have earned.
In conclusion, while the fantasy novel in question had many positive aspects, the author's tendency to overexplain in dialogue detracted from the overall reading experience. It is a reminder for all writers to trust their readers and let the story speak for itself.
