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Monologue Excess

Flags single dialogue paragraphs exceeding 150 words.

What It Does

Measures the word count of each dialogue paragraph. Flags any that exceed 150 words as an unbroken monologue.

Why It Matters

Real conversation involves turn-taking. When a character speaks for 150+ words without interruption, they're giving a speech — which may be appropriate occasionally but is often a sign that the author is using dialogue to dump information.

What Gets Flagged

Severity Example Why Suggested Revision
Hint 180-word dialogue paragraph Unbroken monologue Break with reactions, questions, or action beats

Technical Details

  • Source: prose-craft
  • Scope: Paragraph-level (dialogue only)
  • Method: Word count threshold on ParagraphKind::Dialogue