Punctuating fiction is similar to punctuating any other type of writing, but with a few stylistic considerations to keep in mind. Here's a breakdown of the essentials:
1. The Basics
- Periods (.): Use periods at the end of sentences.
- Commas (,): Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, and to set off non-essential clauses.
- Semicolons (;): Use semicolons to join two closely related independent clauses, or to separate items in a list that already contains commas.
- Colons (:): Use colons to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation.
- Question marks (?): Use question marks at the end of interrogative sentences.
- Exclamation points (!): Use exclamation points to indicate strong emotion.
- Apostrophes ('): Use apostrophes to indicate possession, contractions, and the omission of letters.
2. Dialogue
- Quotation marks (" "): Enclose dialogue in double quotation marks.
- Punctuation within dialogue: Place commas and periods inside the quotation marks. Place question marks and exclamation points inside the quotation marks if they belong to the dialogue, and outside if they belong to the sentence as a whole.
- Paragraph breaks: Start a new paragraph for each new speaker.
- Dialogue tags: Use dialogue tags like said, asked, replied, etc., to attribute dialogue to the speaker. Place them before or after the dialogue, or in the middle if necessary.
3. Punctuation for Style
- Dashes (-): Use dashes for emphasis, to set off parenthetical phrases, or to indicate an abrupt change in thought.
- Ellipses (...): Use ellipses to indicate omitted words or a trailing off of thought.
- Parentheses ( ): Use parentheses to enclose explanatory or clarifying information.
4. Examples
Here are some examples of punctuation in fiction:
- "I'm going to the store," she said. "Do you need anything?"
- He looked at her, his eyes wide with surprise. "You're serious?"
- The house was old and creaky—almost haunted.
- "I don't know," she said, her voice trailing off. "Maybe..."
5. Remember
The most important rule of punctuation is to use it to create clear and readable prose. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your writing style.
