1. Snoreos

    Snoreos Member

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    Grammar Speech from unknown people

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Snoreos, Jul 20, 2015.

    I have a problem. Clearly many, but I'll get to the point.

    I don't know how to refer to different people saying direct speech in this excerpt. Should I set it out as is:

    or should I set it out like this:

    I'm thinking the latter would make more sense if the MC was actually looking at the crowd, but she's not. She's only hearing it, so would I go with the first one or write it out as if she's hazarding a guess by their voices?
     
  2. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

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    The first example is cleaner, and I prefer it. I've seen that approach done before, and it's always clear to me that the author is presenting a handful of overheard comments. If there is something in particular that needs to be stated about an overheard comment, then you might expand on it as you've done in the second example, but if you're just present a series of snippets of conversation overheard by the character, I'd go with the first method.
     
  3. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

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    If she's guessing I'd rewrite the second to include that she's only assuming that someone is disinterested and imagining a headshake. Right now it's too factual.
    But the first is fine. It all depends on what you're going for, and what tone you want to bring in by her imagining these details. Does it make it more excruciating? Is she a person who would do this?
     
  4. Snoreos

    Snoreos Member

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    I like the idea of imagining the actions.

    Sound better or too melodramatic? I may just go with the first if I can't manipulate it the way I want to; I can always change it later.
     
  5. The Mad Regent

    The Mad Regent Senior Member

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    I agree with the first example being better, but if you feel it isn't clear enough, you could always use a simple reference tag on the first piece of dialogue to signify its source, such as, 'they began to mutter.'

    I gulped, hearing individual whispers from many unfamiliar faces. However, this sentence alone suggests that the character is listening to many whispers, so I think your reader would most likely understand what's going on.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2015
  6. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

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    I'd maybe do a mix of the first and second. I like the idea of her wincing as she imagined a head shaking. And pity dripping. But I'd rework that image. But the first speech tag One of them etc - didn't feel like she was imagining it and it didn't seem like info she could get without looking.
     
  7. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    I greatly prefer the first.
     
  8. Snoreos

    Snoreos Member

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    Okay, I shall have a look and fiddle. Thank you for your inputs ( @Steerpike included) :)
     
  9. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

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    I gulped, listening to the whispers of unfamiliar voices behind my back. Imagining their sneers and faux pity.

    That’s Cat, isn’t it; the one who gave Alaska a love letter?

    I’m envious. I wouldn’t have the nerve to approach him, let alone give him a letter and watch him reject it in front of me.

    Poor girl.


    Perhaps something like that?
     
  10. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    No. Please no. Please please no. Don't use italics for speech just because you'd don't have a name to attach a speech tag to.

    No, no, no, no, no, no, no....
     
    Snoreos and SwampDog like this.
  11. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

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    OK. Got it.
     
  12. KaTrian

    KaTrian A foolish little beast. Contributor

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    I prefer the first one. To me it's clear enough.
     
  13. CJT

    CJT Member

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    Maybe adding the thoughts of MC?


    I gulped, hearing individual whispers from many unfamiliar faces.

    “That’s Cat, isn’t it; the one who gave Alaska a love letter?”

    I groaned inside at that, wondering if I was ever going to live this down.

    “I’m envious. I wouldn’t have the nerve to approach him, let alone give him a letter and watch him reject it in front of me.”

    I could picture the head shake that comment got. And the malicious glint in their eyes, too.

    “Poor girl.”

    I continued walking, leaving the comments, and those making them, behind.
     

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