The Agency Spectrum

Exercise #387 Crafting Dialogue to Reflect Character Perception and Influence

Strategy:

Imagine dialogue as a mirror reflecting not just what characters say, but how they view their role in the world. Do they see themselves as masters of their fate or leaves blown by the wind? By adjusting the level of agency in a character's speech, we can reveal volumes about their self-perception, confidence, and desire to influence others. This exercise challenges you to flex your dialogue muscles, experimenting with different levels of agency attribution. It's like playing with the bass and treble on a sound system – by adjusting these levels, you can dramatically change the tone and impact of your character's voice. Ready to tune into the frequency of agency and create dialogue that truly resonates?

Learning Objectives:

1. Analyze how agency attribution in dialogue reflects character psychology

2. Practice writing dialogue with varying levels of perceived agency

3. Explore how changing agency levels can affect character dynamics and plot perception

4. Develop awareness of agency attribution in personal speech patterns

Instructions:

1. Baseline Character: Create a character and write a brief paragraph describing their normal level of agency attribution in speech. Is this character typically confident, hesitant, or somewhere in between?

2. Neutral Scenario: Write a short dialogue where your character describes a mundane action (e.g., entering a room, making a phone call) using their baseline level of agency.

3. High Agency Shift: Rewrite the dialogue, this time increasing the character's sense of agency as if they controlled things or participated in actions they did not contribute to. What circumstances might cause this shift? How does the language change to shift?

4. Low Agency Shift: Now, rewrite the dialogue again, decreasing the character's sense of agency as if they weren’t in control of their own actions. What factors could lead to this change? How does the character's language reflect this shift?

5. Dialogue Interaction: Write a brief exchange between your character and another person. Have your character adjust their agency level mid-conversation in response to the other person's reactions.

6. Self-Reflection: Analyze your own speech patterns. Write a paragraph about a recent experience, first where you were using your natural level of agency attribution, then rewrite this exchange while adjusting your sense of agency higher and lower. Reflect on how this changes your perception of the event.

Tags: dialogue writing, character voice, agency attribution, speech patterns, character psychology, self-perception, linguistic analysis

Example:

1. Baseline Character: Emma, a mid-career journalist, typically exhibits moderate agency in her speech. She's confident in her abilities but also aware of external factors that influence outcomes. Her baseline dialogue reflects a balanced view of her impact on the world.

2. Neutral Scenario:

   Emma said, "I arrived at the press conference and found a seat near the front. The room was already buzzing with anticipation."

3. High Agency Shift:

   Emma's voice filled with determination as she recounted, "I strategically positioned myself at the press conference, securing a prime spot that would ensure my questions were heard. My presence instantly elevated the energy in the room."

4. Low Agency Shift:

   Emma's voice wavered slightly as she spoke, "Somehow, I ended up at the press conference. The crowd seemed to push me towards a seat, and I felt overwhelmed by the noise and movement around me."

5. Dialogue Interaction:

   Emma: "I've been working on this story for weeks. It's finally coming together."

   Editor: "That's great, but remember, these things often hit unexpected snags."

   Emma (lowering agency): "You're right. I suppose I'm just hoping it all works out somehow."

   Editor: "Hey, don't sell yourself short. Your hard work usually pays off."

   Emma (raising agency): "You know what? You're right. I've put in the effort, and I'm going to make sure this story shines."

6. Self-Reflection:
   Natural level: I attended a writing workshop last weekend. It was interesting, and I learned some new techniques that might improve my work.

   Higher agency: I actively participated in a writing workshop last weekend, contributing valuable insights and mastering new techniques that will significantly enhance my craft.

   Lower agency: I found myself at a writing workshop last weekend. The instructors presented some techniques, and I tried to follow along as best I could.

   Reflection: The high-agency version makes me feel more empowered but might come across as boastful. The low-agency version feels more humble but potentially undermines the value of the experience. My natural level strikes a balance, acknowledging both my active participation and the external value of the workshop.