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dialogue prompts taken from or inspired by the movie  PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005).   please feel free to change the sentences for pronouns and context as you see fit!

‘ do you not want to know who has taken it? ’ 

‘ I doubt I have any choice in the matter. ’

‘ have you no compassion for my poor nerves? ’

‘ so will you come to the ball tomorrow? ’

‘ if every person in this room does not end the evening completely in love with you then I am no judge of beauty. ’

‘ they are not all bad. ’ 

‘ one of these days, someone will catch your eye and then you’ll have to watch your tongue. ’

‘ do you dance? ’

‘ so what do you recommend, to encourage affection? ’

‘ only the deepest love will persuade me into matrimony. ’

‘ you’re a great deal too apt to like people in general, you know. ’

‘ I still cannot believe what he said about you. ’

‘ I doubt we shall ever speak again. ’

‘ oh,  please! it’s ten in the morning. ’

‘ do not be alarmed. excepting a sore throat, a fever, and a headache there is nothing much wrong with me. ’

‘ good lord, did you walk here? ’

‘ it’s all going according to plan. ’

‘ I never saw such a woman, she would certainly be a fearsome thing to behold. ’

‘ would you consider pride a fault or a virtue? ’

‘ my good opinion, once lost, is lost forever. ’

‘ I don’t know how to thank you. ’

‘ he can turn us out of the house as soon as he pleases. ’

‘ how happy for you, to possess the talent for flattering with such delicacy. ’

‘ shall we all look for some ribbon together? ’

‘ how do you like my ribbons for your ball? ’

‘ you may well be surprised, especially given our cold greeting this afternoon. ’

‘ oh no, it is not for me to be driven away. ’

‘ if you wish to avoid seeing me, you must go, not I. ’

‘ I hope never to encounter him. ’

‘ may I have the next dance? ’

‘ it would be most inconvenient since I have sworn to loathe you for all eternity. ’

‘ please advise me of what you would like most to hear. ’

‘ do you talk as a rule while dancing? ’

‘ I prefer to be unsociable and taciturn. ’ 

‘ why do you ask such a question? ’

‘ and what have you discovered? ’

‘ I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly. ’

‘ I hope to afford you more clarity in the future. ’

‘ what interesting relatives you have. ’

‘ almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life. ’

‘ and now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affections. ’

‘ you are too hasty!  you forget that I have made no answer. ’

‘ you could not make happy and I’m convinced I’m the last person in the world who could make you happy. ’

‘ go back now and say you’ve changed your mind! ’

‘ there’s no earthly reason why I shouldn’t be as happy with him as any other. ’

‘ not all of us can afford to be romantic. ’

‘ I’ve been offered a comfortable home and protection, there’s a lot to be thankful for. ’

‘ I’m plain and I have no money and no prospects. ’

‘ do not make yourself uneasy, about your apparel. ’

‘ your mother must have been quite a slave to your education. ’

‘ upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person. ’

‘ no excellence can be acquired without constant practice. ’

‘ you would be in nobody’s way, you know, in that part of the house. ’

‘ I am well enough acquainted with you, to know I cannot alarm you even should I wish it. ’

‘ I do not have the talent of conversing easily with people I have never met before. ’

‘ I came to  ___  with the single object of seeing you. l had to see you. ’

‘ I love you. Most ardently. ’

‘ I appreciate the struggle you have been through, and I am very sorry to have caused you pain. ’

‘ I’m sure that the feelings which, as you’ve told me, have hindered your regard, will help you in overcoming it. ’

‘ might I ask why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus repulsed? ’

‘ I suppose you suspect that his fortune had same bearing on the matter? ’

‘ what excuse can you give for your behaviour to him? ’

‘ you take an eager interest in that gentleman’s concerns! ’

‘ oh yes, your misfortunes have been very great indeed! ’

‘ you have ruined his chances, and yet treat him with sarcasm? ’

‘ so this is your opinion of me! thank you for explaining so fully. ’

‘ and those are the words of a gentleman? ’

‘ from the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, made me realize that you were the last person in the world I could ever be prevailed upon to marry. ’

‘ I shall not renew the sentiments which were so disgusting to you. ’

‘ what are men, compared to rocks and mountains? ’

‘ believe me, men are either eaten up with arrogance or stupidity, and if they are amiable they’re so easily led that they have no minds of their own whatsoever. ’

‘ take care, my love, that savors strongly of bitterness. ’

‘ I’m so sorry to intrude. they said the house was open for visitors. I had no idea… ’

‘ there is something pleasing about his mouth, when he speaks. ’

‘ you don’t mind delaying our journey for another day? ’

‘ but I know very well that nothing can be done. we have not the smallest hope. ’

‘ would I could help you. ’

‘ sir, I think it is too late. ’

‘ this is grave indeed. I will leave you. ’ 

‘ I forgot! I shouldn’t have said a word! ’

‘ I’m just glad that you come alone, because then I shall see less of you. ’

‘ not that I’m afraid of myself, but I dread other people’s remarks. ’

‘ oh my goodness! everybody behave naturally. ’

‘ whatever you do, do not appear overbearing. ’

‘ stop that racket and sit down! find yourself some work! ’

‘ oh lord. I shall have a seizure, I’m sure I shall. ’

‘ I return to town tomorrow. ’

‘ so soon? ’

‘ for when you were in town last winter you promised to take a family dinner with us. I have not forgot you see. at least three courses. ’

‘ well, I’m glad that’s over. ’

‘ we can now meet as indifferent acquaintances. ’

‘ you cannot think me so weak as to be in danger now. ’

‘ I think you are in great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever. ’

‘ I know this is all very untoward, but I would like to request the privilege of speaking with you. ’

‘ first, I have to tell you that I have been an unmitigated and comprehensive ass. ’

‘ thank the lord for that! I thought it would never happen. ’

‘ I knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing. ’

‘ can you die of happiness? ’

‘ bravo! that is the most unforgiving speech you’ve ever made. ’

‘ you can be at no loss to understand why I am here. ’

‘ I warn you, I am not to be trifled with. ’

‘ if you believed it impossible, I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. ’

‘ you may ask the questions, which I may not choose to answer. ’ 

‘ you have insulted me in every possible way and can now have nothing further to say. I must ask you to leave immediately. ’

‘ I have never been thus treated in my entire life. ’

‘ for once in your life,  just leave me alone! ’

‘ I couldn’t sleep. ’

‘ how can I ever make amends for such behaviour? ’

‘ you must know  —  surely you must know, that it was all for you. ’

‘ you are too generous to trifle with me. ’

‘ my affections and wishes have not changed. ’

‘ one word from you will silence me forever. ’

‘ you have bewitched me body and soul and I love and love and love you. ’

‘ I never wish to be parted from you from this day on. ’

‘ your hands are cold. ’

‘ I thought you hated the man. ’

‘ but will that make you happy? ’

‘ I was wrong, entirely wrong about him. ’

‘ you mustn’t tell anyone. he wouldn’t want it. ’

‘ you do love him, don’t you? ’

‘ I cannot believe that anyone can deserve you. ’

‘ and how are you today, my dear? ’

‘ I wish you would not call me “my dear”. ’

‘ what endearments am I allowed? ’

‘ and what shall I call you when I’m cross? ’

Cynthia-Addai Robinson as Queen Regent Míriel

idk what this is my dudes, i got angsty, then spot.ify gave me a soft song, and i decided to resolve the angst briefly by writing up these! i hope y’all enjoy!

DIALOGUE PROMPTS.

“ hey, look at me… you can do this. okay? you can. “

“ it’s gonna work out, alright? i promise.

“ you’re not alone, okay? not anymore. i’m right here with you. “

“ you good? “

“ here. hold my hand. you get scared again, squeeze tight, and i’ll help you. got it? “

“ shh… it’s okay… breathe with me, okay? in… and out… good job. “

“ we’re gonna figure all this out together, i promise. “

“ that’s it… there we go, good job… let it all out. “

“ of course i came. you called me. what’s wrong? “

“ hey, why don’t we get out of here? would that be better? “

“ you wanna get out of here? i know a great coffee shop a few blocks away. “

“ do you wanna talk about this, or be distracted, or left alone? “

“ you don’t have to be so strong all the time. it’s okay. cry. i’ll be strong for both of us. “

“ hey, i got you some water. drink it all, you’ll feel better. “

“ it’s been a long day. why don’t you stay here tonight? i can take the sofa. “

“ c’mon, you gotta eat something. and i can’t cook, so take-out it is. eat up. “

“ let’s go for a walk. staying here is the worst thing we can do, right? “

“ don’t you pay any heed to those morons. they don’t know you. not like i do. “

“ it’s okay. i got you… “

“ we don’t need to talk unless you want to. i’m happy to just sit with you for a while. “

“ it’s alright. you take your time… i’m gonna be right here whenever you want to talk, okay? “

ACTION PROMPTS.

[ KNEE ]:          sender gently rests a hand on the receiver’s knee to stop them from shaking it.

[ MOUTH ]:          sender notices the receiver’s distress from across a crowded room, and silently mouths “are you okay?” to them.

[ SIT ]:          sender guides the receiver into a seat after noticing them becoming upset.

[ BESIDE ]:          sender sits next to the troubled receiver at a social event so that they don’t have to feel alone.

[ BACK ]:          sender rests a gentle hand against the receiver’s back, silently checking in on them.

[ HAND ]:          sender takes a gentle hold of the receiver’s hand, as a form of emotional support and reassurance.

[ JOIN ]:          sender follows the emotionally unsettled receiver out of a crowded party and into a secluded space to check on their well-being.

[ BREATHE ]:          sender begins to take slow, deliberately even breaths, encouraging the receiver to copy their motions until their own breathing is back to normal.

[ SPOON ]:          sender lies beside the receiver and becomes the big spoon to comfort them.

[ GLANCE ]:          sender glances at the receiver while in a public setting to assure them they aren’t alone, and ground them in doing so.

[ BLOCK ]:          sender deliberately stands in front of the receiver to prevent them from seeing something that may upset them further.

[ SHIELD ]:          sender deliberately stands in front of the receiver to protect them from a targeted attack (verbal or physical).

[ DISTRACT ]:          sender, noticing receiver’s distress, provides a distraction for them (by conversation, a mobile game, a detour, etc.).

[ ARRIVE ]:          sender shows up at the receiver’s door after receiving a troubled phone call from the receiver.

[ CIRCLE ]:          sender rubs slow circles on the receiver’s back while hugging them in an effort to calm them down.

[ FOREHEAD ]:          sender lowers their head to press their forehead against the receiver’s, trying to comfort them in the process.

[ ANCHOR ]:          sender places a hand on the back of the receiver’s neck and pulls them close in an effort to physically and emotionally ground them.

[ HOLD ]:          sender holds out their hands to the receiver, either to hold hands or to hold them.

[ AROUND ]:          while sitting together, the sender quietly wraps an arm around the receiver’s shoulders as a support.

[ SHOULDER ]:          sender reaches out and places a hand on the receiver’s shoulder, both to catch their attention and silently ask if they’re okay.

[ JACKET ]:          sender notices the receiver beginning to shake after an immensely distressing incident, and removes their own jacket to wrap it around the receiver’s shoulders.

001.   the seaside ,  as the sun is setting .

002.   a cabin in the middle of the woods .

003.   a picket-fenced home in the suburbs .

004.   a dark bus stop lit only by street lights .

005.   a private jet miles high in the sky .

006.   a funhouse’s room of mirrors .

007.   an office building ,  bustling and busy .

008.   the back row of an empty movie theater .

009.   a run-down (or abandoned) motel room .

010.   a loud house party on a suburban street .

011.   a university lecture hall during a class .

012.   the rooftop of a very tall building .

013.   a great ballroom during an elegant party .

014.   the back of a wailing ambulance .

015.   the wine cellar of a large mansion .

016.   behind the school’s gymnasium .

017.   a bonfire in the middle of the woods .

018.   an otherwise empty parking lot .

019.   the bar of a loud ,  dark club .

020.   an empty summer camp .

021.   a large hedge maze ,  easy to get lost in .

022.   a neglected or derelict treehouse .

023.   a spacious ,  light-filled meadow .

024.   an underground / illegal fighting club .

025.   an abandoned scrapyard .

026.   a large penthouse overlooking the city .

027.   an apple orchard in the middle of spring .

028.   an empty playground with squeaky swings .

029.   an extravagant greenhouse .

030.   the base of a large waterfall .

031.   a spacious walk - in closet full of lovely clothes .

032.   a quiet hospital room .

033.   the dark depths of an abandoned mine .

034.   the deck of a fishing boat at night .

035.   the thick crowd of an audience at a show .

036.   a long ,  winding road .

037.   the site of a car accident .

038.   a hiking trail in the mountains .

039.   a cramped dressing room .

040.   a dusty antiques shop full of relics .

041.   the street of an unfamiliar city at night .

042.   between the tall shelves of a thrifted book shop .

043.   a building abandoned during construction .

044.   a house without power or running water .

045.   a mysterious trail found in the woods .

046.   the back of a taxi stuck in traffic .

047.   the inside of an elevator that won’t move .

048.   fairgrounds during a large event  (or after hours) .

049.   a garden bountiful with flowers or produce .