Definition
A speech pattern is a recurring rhythm or structure in how a character talks, such as short sentences, formal address, repetition, or trailing off. Patterns make dialogue recognizable and can change under stress.
Example
A lawyer who builds every answer as premise, exception, conclusion speaks in a pattern readers can track.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Copying one verbal tic onto every line until speech feels robotic.
- Keeping the same pattern in crisis scenes where stress would alter speech.