How can dialogue contribute to characterization?

Dialogue plays a crucial role in characterization, particularly by showcasing characters' motivations and relationships. When characters speak to one another, their choice of words, tone, and manner of speaking often provide insights into their personalities, desires, and emotional states. For instance, a character who is overly polite might be portrayed as respectful or submissive, while one who uses harsh language may suggest aggression or conflict. Additionally, dialogue can reveal the dynamics between characters, such as friendship, tension, or rivalry, through the way they communicate and respond to one another. As characters express their thoughts and feelings through dialogue, readers gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what drives their actions in the story. This rich layer of communication enhances the overall narrative by making the characters more relatable and multi-dimensional.