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As I scroll through the various discworld commentaries here, one of the things I haven't seen surface much yet is Pratchett as a dialog artist. My dad and I wer
by travisgriggs 2y ago
As I scroll through the various discworld commentaries here, one of the things I haven't seen surface much yet is Pratchett as a dialog artist. My dad and I were both discussing just the other day how we’re honestly happy just picking up any Discworld book, opening it anywhere, and having a listen on what the characters are saying to each other at the moment. I’m not sure what others have created dialogue like that. Maybe Michael Sullivan in his Theft of Swords series.
- i_don_t_know 2y agoThe dialogs and the interaction between characters are also driving the story in a natural way. It’s like those screwball comedies from the 30s (His Girl Friday etc). Pratchett had a good ear for how people talk, and he managed to put it on page. There are no lengthy stilted lectures (characters explaining stuff to other characters) as in some other books by other authors, and only few (and usually short) descriptions of what happens when and then this and then that and then something else.
- ggm 2y agoHow he sets up "Minge drinking" is a very good example.
- dcminter 2y agoStephen Briggs, who adapted several of the works for the stage, said the dialogue was an absolute gift for that. Think of how the "Dread Portal" scene in Guards Guards! would play out on stage and one sees exactly what he means.