What are "dialogue tags" used for in scriptwriting?

Dialogue tags play a crucial role in scriptwriting by clearly indicating who is speaking in a script. This is essential for readers and performers alike, as it helps to maintain clarity and flow in the dialogue. In a script, each character’s lines are often interspersed with action or descriptive elements, which can make it necessary to specify the speaker to avoid confusion.

By effectively utilizing dialogue tags, writers ensure that the characters' voices and actions can be distinguished easily, enhancing the overall readability of the script. This clarity allows the audience to follow the conversation and enables actors to properly portray their roles based on their character's dialogue and gestures.

The importance of dialogue tags becomes particularly evident in scenes with multiple characters, where failing to identify the speaker can lead to misunderstandings and reduce the impact of the dialogue. Thus, the function of dialogue tags in indicating who is speaking is foundational to effective scriptwriting.