Assignment: Dialogue

For this assignment we'll focus on words and dialogue. Write or find a script for a one-page comic. (Sample script below.) Draw the page twice, changing where you break the lines and sentences, and inserting or removing pauses to see how it transforms the drama. How does the feeling change if you put lots of dialogue in a single word balloon? What if you split that same text into several balloons? What if you add a pause, or pauses?

Post your work to the class blog and bring in your original drawings to share with the class.

Over the coming weeks we'll begin working with ink, so please acquire a quill pen, brush, and racing paper. (See guidelines in "How-To" suggestions at top of right column.)

Extra challenge:
In this week's comic, while repeating the page of dialogue, turn it into a story in which the same characters for some reason are repeating the same lines. Perhaps add a new page between as a transition.

Sample script:
William Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

ACT I
SCENE I.
[A desert place.
Thunder and lightning. Enter three Witches]

First Witch: When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.

Third Witch: That will be ere the set of sun.

First Witch: Where the place?

Second Witch: Upon the heath.

Third Witch: There to meet with Macbeth.

First Witch: I come, Graymalkin!

Second Witch: Paddock calls.

Third Witch: Anon.

ALL: Fair is foul, and foul is fair:
Hover through the fog and filthy air.

[Exeunt]

(Find notes on the text here.)