Layering Dialogue and Action

Write a few sentences to set the scene (like in a play). Give yourself a 30 minute time limit. Don't go over 30 minutes.

Where are we?

What is the weather/atmosphere/time of day/quality of light?

Character 1:

Write a few sentences about Character #1:

what is she wearing, how is he sitting, what is she fiddling with, what is his emotional state, what is her desire?

Character 2: 

Write a few sentences about Character #2:

what is she wearing, how is he sitting, what is she fiddling with, what is his emotional state, what is her desire?

Character 1:

Write a line of dialogue.

Character 2:

What is Character 2's response (first in a line of dialogue)?

What exact gesture or tiny action do you see Character 2 do?

Character 1:

What is Character 1's response to the comment/gesture by Character 2?

Write the physical action/tiny gesture you see. Your characters can get up and move around. Your image is alive.

Character 2: 

Responds first with dialogue, then with a gesture. Repeat the pattern