gotcha !!

Great dialogue can come from radical emotional honesty. But in most real conversations, people

dodge questions

answer indirectly

lie (badly)

change the subject

crack jokes to avoid serious answers

lie (convincingly)

say half of what they mean

tell the truth but get so anxious/angry/defensive others now think they're lying

If your dialogue feels unnatural, it might be because everyone is saying exactly what they think, or articulating their thoughts too well. Try letting characters hide things instead.

He/Him | Marked | Nocturne | 245

Evander keeps Kleleatria’s memory. Every text, record, and truth goes through him and into the archive, and he decides what’s kept and what’s swept under the rug. He has spent the majority of his life absorbed in knowledge that is unattainable to most, and has served as the Halidom’s Archivist for over two centuries. Evander is from Trista, the coldest city on the continent. He was born into a family of generational wealth and Marked lineage, and has always been known by name. However, little can be said about who he really is. Evander keeps almost everyone at a distance, for his own sake and others'.

He knows more than he lets on.

⟡ Birth Month: February

⟡ Sign: Pisces

⟡ Height: 6’6

⟡ Love Language: Physical Touch

⟡ Likes: snow, old books, the scent of vanilla, sweets, night walks

⟡ Dislikes: theism

⟡ Traits: aloof, curious, brilliant, distracted, possessive

Art by: @toxxiin

He/Him | Hollow | 305

When he’s not out charming the continent, August disappears into the basement of an alchemy shop to brew what may blow up in his face or give you the best night’s rest of your life. Everspire is home to him, but he travels all throughout the continent to tell his stories and perform. Most know him by name, though many call him the ‘soul of Klealetria.’ If you have a question about a person, place, or some event long past, August likely has the answer. He is endlessly open about the world but rather closed off when it comes to himself. He supposedly has no family, and no matter how hard you look, you won’t find a single record of his name.

He has a dark past.

⟡ Birth Month: April

⟡ Sign: Aries

⟡ Height: 6’3

⟡ Love Language: Giving Gifts

⟡ Likes: stray cats, bird watching, fruit, starry skies, smoking

⟡ Dislikes: sailing

⟡ Traits: charming, confident, generous, teasing, jealous

Art by: @toxxiin