Question

Which statement is true about dialogue in short stories? Because dialogue takes up a lot of space, it should be avoided in short stories. Writers should look for opportunities to tell what a character is like through description rather than show through the use of dialogue. Dialogue using the character’s own words is one way a writer can show rather than tell readers what a character is like. Dialogue involves summarizing what characters say to help the story move along more quickly.

Answer 1

C.  Dialogue using the character’s own words is one way a writer can show rather than tell readers what a character is like.

In short stories, there is an obvious need to be as concise as possible.  One way to save space is through indirect characterization—where readers are able to discern the characteristics of characters through what characters say and do without the need for the author to blatantly state so. This indirect characterization can be considered getting “two birds with one stone,” so to speak, which is why indirect characterization is prominent in so many short stories.