How to Write Dialogue for (most) Dream SMP Characters
A few months ago, I remembered seeing a lot of posts giving advice on how to write dialogue for DSMP Characters. And while those posts contained numerous helpful pointers, overall, they fall justĀ short of capturing what it means to write in a characterās Voice.
Unique character Voices, while tricky to get right, are usually achieved by giving each character a distinct set of words to say, in a manner that distinguishes them from the rest of the cast.Ā
With this in mind, Iāve spent the past few days combing through almost Thirty Hours of VOD footageĀ to collect nearly all of the unique words, phrases, and speaking habits of every major and minor character on the Dream SMP (involved in 2+ story arcs.)
Before Reading:
Sentence-Starters are single words or phrases which begin a sentence. (ie.Ā āYāknow, maybe you should try something different.ā)Ā
Sentence Paddings are reoccurring words added to the middle of sentences. (ie.Ā āItās like he justĀ canāt cry.ā)Ā
Sentence Endings are single words or phrases which end a sentence. (ie.Ā āThereās no need to fight, I hope.ā)
All three of these types can be combined with one another to create more natural-sounding sentences. For instance, if a character has the two Sentence-Starters āOkayā andĀ āSo,ā they can be used like this; āOkay, so, Iām a bit worried.ā
(Note: When certain traits or phrases arenāt obvious with how they should be applied to dialogue, an (ie.) will be added below to illustrate them.)
Wilbur
General Traits:
Repeats himself for emphasis. Sometimes these repetitions will add additional information. More often, this repetition is focused around a specific word with the circumstance of the sentence being changed each time.
ie. āIām living in an eternal limbo again. Iāve been through limbo, Iām out of limbo, and socially, Iām still in this limbo.ā
Highly eloquent in language, bordering on poetic.
Highly introspective; significantly less so after Eretās betrayal and onward.
Occasionally makes literary analogies and references, sometimes breaking the Fourth Wall to do so.
Curses semi-frequently. Wilbur is the only known character to use the word ācunt,ā although rare.
Common Go-To Swears -Ā Fuck, Shit, Prick, Bastard, Hell, Ass (Including all variations and combinations.)
Tends to hum when he thinks to himself.
Stutters most often when offended, shocked, or surprised.
Generally addresses characters semi-formally, often by title or role.
Often slips into long-form monologues when self-reflecting.
Usually defaults to being the head of a conversation; introducing, managing, and elaborating on topics throughout, especially when speaking to three or more people.
Circumstantial Phrases:
You and I, weāreĀ āĀ (To connect positively with someone.)
ie. āYou and I, weāre used to seeing the good in people.ā
I wanna pick your brain / Can I pick your brain? (To ask about someone else.)
Donāt say that, Iāll cry (Affectionate banter, only to Tommy.)
Iām afraidĀ āĀ (When hopeless or delivering bad news.)
ie. āIām afraid thereās no getting out of this now.ā
Thereās no reason toĀ āĀ / Thereās no reason forĀ ā / Thereās no need forĀ ā Ā (When being threatened or breaking up a fight.)
ie. āThereās no need for violence, gentlemen.ā
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