Marco is a brooding character who tends to be skeptical of good luck. His best friend Sadie is an optimist who looks for the good in every situation.

Question

Scene Excerpt:
Sadie entered the school and started to head for her locker — but she stopped when she saw Marco standing at the announcement board. He noticed her and motioned her over.
"Did you see this?" he said.
It was a flyer announcing that their favorite band would be performing at the local arts center in a few weeks. Sadie's uncle worked for the center and always got early access to tickets.
Based on the character description, which dialogue would best help develop both characters for readers?
"I hope my uncle can get us tickets," Sadie said. "I know I'm an optimist, but it could be really hard because the band is so popular."
"Well, I'm usually skeptical and I still think we have a good chance," Marco said.
"I'll ask my uncle to try to get us tickets when they go on sale," Sadie said.
"It would be really fun if he could," Marco said.
"No way!" Sadie beamed. "Clear your schedule. We're going to have a blast."
• "I don't know," Marco said slowly. "Are you sure we'll even get tickets? This is going to be a pretty big deal."
"We're going to have so much fun," Sadie said. "I bet we'll get to meet the band. I bet we'll even get to hang out with them!"
"We probably won't even get to go," Marco said. "I bet the whole show will get canceled and we'll have a terrible day."

Answer 1

Both dialogues feature distinct elements of Marco's brooding skepticism and Sadie's unyielding optimism while developing their dynamic. However, the second dialogue is a better fit for character development. Here’s why:

1. Character Contrast: The second dialogue highlights their contrasting perspectives more vividly. Marco’s skepticism is pronounced as he questions the likelihood of obtaining tickets and even imagines worst-case scenarios, while Sadie remains enthusiastic and spins everything into a positive light, imagining fun details about the concert.

2. Conflict and Resolution: The exchange reveals tension between their viewpoints—Marco’s cynicism creates a slight conflict that Sadie has to navigate. This dynamic exemplifies their friendship, showcasing how Sadie attempts to uplift Marco, even in the face of his pessimism. It captures the essence of their relationship, where Sadie's optimism clashes with Marco's darker outlook.

3. Depth of Emotion: Marco's slow and resigned tone in "I don't know" feels more authentic and gives insight into his character's emotional landscape. It shows how deeply his skepticism affects his perspective on life. Meanwhile, Sadie's exuberance provides a stark contrast, making her character shine.

4. Future Potential: This dialogue sets the stage for potential character growth. Marco's skepticism could be challenged by Sadie's enthusiasm, opening the door for development throughout the story.

Overall, this dialogue better encapsulates both characters' personalities and establishes a foundation for their relationship’s dynamics.

Answer 2

So which?

Answer 3

The second dialogue would best help develop both characters for readers:

"I don't know," Marco said slowly. "Are you sure we'll even get tickets? This is going to be a pretty big deal."

"We're going to have so much fun," Sadie said. "I bet we'll get to meet the band. I bet we'll even get to hang out with them!"

"We probably won't even get to go," Marco said. "I bet the whole show will get canceled and we'll have a terrible day."

This exchange effectively highlights Marco's skepticism and Sadie's optimism, showcasing how their contrasting viewpoints influence their interactions and friendship.