Behind the Scene: Chapter Two of Wrongful Accusations
How I Use Dialogue and Relationships to Drive the Story
This week we change things up and show a more personal glimpse into Sassy Johnson’s life. This chapter balances the unfolding mystery with her relationships, adding depth to her character and giving readers a breather between investigative beats.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Nicole Slawyer, how can I help you?”
“Hey, Cole, it’s Sassy. Do you have dinner plans?”
“Not really. What do you have a taste for?”
I thought about it briefly. “How about Applebee’s? I’ve got a taste for a Mudslide or maybe a Whiskey Sour.”
How I Came Up with This Chapter
I designed this chapter to accomplish several goals:
Humanizing the Protagonist: Sassy is a private investigator, but she’s also someone who loves a good margarita, values her friendships, and has moments of self-doubt. These layers make her relatable and multi-dimensional.
Introducing Support Characters: Cole Slaw isn’t just comic relief; she’s Sassy’s sounding board. Their banter highlights their strong bond while allowing Sassy to process the case in a casual setting.
Building Relationships: The moments with Jerry explore a more vulnerable side of Sassy. Her hesitation about marriage adds emotional weight and complexity to her character.
When brainstorming this chapter, I wanted to create a bridge between the case and Sassy’s personal life, demonstrating how her work and relationships intersect. This balance between plot progression and character development is key to keeping readers engaged.
Writing Takeaway
To craft a chapter like this, consider these techniques:
Leverage Dialogue: The conversations between Sassy and Cole reveal insights into the case while also deepening their friendship. Use dialogue to multitask—advance the story and develop relationships.
Show Vulnerability: Sassy’s self-doubt about her drinking and hesitation about marriage make her more relatable. Don’t be afraid to let your characters show their insecurities.
Balance the Pace: After an intense chapter, slower moments provide breathing room for readers. Use these scenes to explore interpersonal dynamics without losing sight of the overarching story.
Try It Yourself
Think about your own stories. Are you giving readers enough downtime to connect with your characters? Are your support characters playing an active role in your protagonist’s life, or are they just filling space?
I’d love to hear how you approach balancing action and relationships in your stories! Hit reply and share your thoughts with me.
Until next time,
Susie
“Continue writing with purpose”
P.S. Catch up on all chapters of Wrongful Accusations here.
P.P.S. Check out the breakdown of chapter one here.