Writing arguments

[Tony]

I think one of my weakest writing skills is characters arguing. Anyone know any authors who do this well?

[Demetrius]

What the hell, you mean Tony, about arguning/
Tony: I mean arguing, what the f you think I mean?

[Tony]

Demetrius wrote: "What the hell, you mean Tony, about arguning/
Tony: I mean arguing, what the f you think I mean?"

:-)

[Ubiquitous]

IMO, there are different kinds of arguments between characters. You've got playful banter, serious debates, a heated exchange, passionate pleading, comedic taunting, will domination, and witty word play just to cite a few. I think the best character arguments come from well conceived, interesting characters. When people argue, they often reveal parts of their souls they might otherwise hide. As an author, you can use the argument to reveal something about a character, show a change of mind, or display a different side to their personality.

Depending on the nature of the argument, I think there are different authors who demonstrate this well. I enjoy some of the character arguments in books by Terry Pratchett. His characters argue largely for comedic value, but he uses this to give the reader insight into the character's mind.

I had some characters who argued periodically and I enjoyed writing their dialog. It helped me to understand and portray the characters more fully.

(By the way, it's childish, but when someone is unable to refute a well reasoned argument, they may attempt to answer with a non-sequitur or an insult. This gives rise to the "...Yeah? Well, you're stupid!" line. It doesn't really nullify the argument, but it tends to either shut it down or escalate it.)

Good luck, and I hope you find what you're looking for.

[Jordanna]

I can't think of anyone off the top of my head, but it does help to watch people interact. Of course you might not catch much arguing at your local coffee shop, but try to watch cheap reality tv and you'll get all the arguing you can handle. :-)

[Steven]

Heller in his Catch-22 did good. Tennessee Williams' Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf. Check out the classic great debates - politicians argue and argue. Don't watch the talking heads on TV - they shout better than they argue.

[Justin]

I do this many times in my latest book.

Basically it comes down to three things, you want a back and forth bickering between two people.
Make it intensifying with anger and get some heat boiling.
Write it as though your writing regular dialogue except its not not sunshines and lollipops but rather burning fists and pitchforks.

[[deleted user]]

Try reading Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King: it's short, and the whole story is dialogue from a very b***hy character who argues with people we never hear of or 'see' as such except in passing reference.

[Tony]

I'll put Dolores Claiborne on my TBR...and thanks to everyone for the good tips!