# How to format dialogue in a screenplay

**Quick answer:** Screenplay dialogue commonly sits beneath the speaker’s capitalized name in a narrow column. Add a parenthetical only when needed, and leave quotation marks off the spoken words.

Source: https://scriptsolo.com/blog/how-to-format-screenplay-dialogue/ · Scriptsolo · Updated 2026-11-09

The common order for how to format dialogue in a screenplay is a character cue in capitals, an optional parenthetical, then the spoken line. Dialogue is not put in quotation marks.

For the rest of the page layout, use the [screenplay format guide](https://scriptsolo.com/guides/screenplay-format/). The example below shows how a speech continues around an action line.

## How do you format a line of dialogue?

**Dialogue**: Dialogue is the words characters speak aloud, commonly placed beneath the speaker’s name in a column narrower than action. In the example, Maya asks her roommate about rent.

**Character cue**: A character cue is the speaker’s name, commonly written in capitals above their dialogue. MAYA identifies who speaks in the example.

**Parenthetical**: A parenthetical is a short direction in parentheses, commonly placed between the cue and dialogue. Use it sparingly for unclear tone or action, such as directing Maya’s words toward the hallway.

**Format a speech**

1. **Write the character cue.** Put the speaker’s name above the speech, commonly in capitals.
2. **Add a parenthetical only if needed.** Place a brief direction beneath the cue, commonly inside parentheses. Leave it out when the words already convey the delivery.
3. **Write the spoken words.** Place dialogue below the cue or parenthetical, commonly in a narrower column than action. Do not wrap the speech in quotation marks.
4. **Separate visible action.** Put a visible movement in an action line. When the same speaker resumes, (CONT'D) commonly appears beside the repeated cue.

**Example:** Rent day

```
INT. APARTMENT KITCHEN - MORNING

MAYA, still in her work clothes, checks her phone beside the
sink.

                      MAYA
                (to the hallway)
          The rent came out today.

Maya turns her phone facedown.

                      MAYA (CONT'D)
          Can you send your share?
```

The parenthetical tells you where Maya directs her words without prescribing an emotion. For choosing what she says, use the [guide to writing screenplay dialogue](https://scriptsolo.com/guides/how-to-write-screenplay-dialogue/).

## How do O.S. and V.O. work?

**O.S. and V.O.**: O.S. and V.O. are markers commonly distinguishing a speaker off camera within the scene from a voice outside the scene. Maya’s unseen roommate answering from the hallway would use O.S.; narration would use V.O.

Phone-voice usage varies. The [guide to O.S. and V.O.](https://scriptsolo.com/blog/os-vs-vo-screenplay/) explains the distinction in more detail.

## What are CONT'D and MORE?

**CONT'D**: CONT'D is short for continued, commonly appearing beside a cue when the same character resumes after action or a page break. Maya’s repeated cue uses it after she turns her phone over.

**MORE**: MORE is a marker commonly placed at the bottom of a page when dialogue continues onto the next page. If Maya’s speech crossed a page break, (MORE) would appear at the bottom; screenwriting software commonly adds this automatically.

## How do you show an interruption or overlap?

A double hyphen (--) commonly marks an interrupted line; an ellipsis (...) commonly marks a voice trailing off. Use the double hyphen if Maya’s roommate cuts her off before she finishes asking.

**Dual dialogue**: Dual dialogue is a layout that commonly presents simultaneous speech in side-by-side columns. Use it when overlap matters, such as roommates making competing excuses without listening.

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## Frequently asked questions

### Should dialogue be in quotation marks?

No. Write spoken words without enclosing quotation marks beneath the character cue.

### How do I format a phone call?

Use the common character-cue and dialogue layout for each speaker. Usage of O.S. and V.O. for phone voices varies, so keep your chosen treatment consistent.

### How do I format two people talking at once?

Use dual dialogue, which commonly places simultaneous speeches in side-by-side columns. Reserve this layout for moments when the overlap matters.