Dialogue Intent

What It Does

Classifies each line of dialogue into a speech act category and then analyzes dialogue blocks for:

1. Speech act variety — whether the conversation uses different types of speech acts or repeats the same pattern
2. Tension detection — whether dialogue blocks lack tension (e.g., extended stretches of agreement)

Why It Matters

Great dialogue creates subtext through varied speech acts. A conversation where both characters only agree is boring. A conversation where one character accuses and the other deflects builds tension without the narrator having to explain it. Low speech-act variety is a signal that dialogue may lack dramatic energy.

What Gets Flagged

Speech Act Categories

The analyzer classifies dialogue into these categories:

Speech Act	Keywords	Example
Accusation	"you always", "your fault", "you never"	"You always do this to me."
Deflection	"that's not", "I didn't mean", "you're twisting"	"That's not what I said."
Agreement	"you're right", "I agree", "exactly"	"You're right, I should have called."
Threat	"or else", "I'll make", "you'll regret"	"Leave now, or else."
Plea	"please", "I'm begging", "just let me"	"Please, just listen."
Question	any line ending with "?"	"Where were you last night?"
Command	imperative verbs	"Sit down."
Neutral	none of the above	"The train leaves at eight."

Low Tension Blocks

Severity: Information

Example (flagged):

A stretch of 6+ dialogue lines where all speech acts are "Agreement" or "Neutral"

Why: Extended agreement or neutral exchange lacks dramatic energy. Readers expect dialogue to contain conflict, revelation, or negotiation.

Low Speech Act Variety

Severity: Hint

Flagged when a dialogue block uses fewer than 3 distinct speech act types across 8+ lines.

Configuration

No configuration options.

Technical Details

• Source: prose-craft
• Scope: Dialogue block level
• Method: Keyword-based speech act classification; variety and tension scoring per dialogue block