: Re: how to write a rant? Rants and ranters are numerous and pretty damn popular, so I'd just like to ask about a formula or general tips for writing them, without making my readers rage.

@Bryan361

Vote Up Vote Down

I am assuming you want a character that rants using dialogue (or perhaps monologue). So, writing a rant would follow the rules of any dialogue or monologue.

No character should speak without a reason. The same goes for someone ranting. Why are they ranting? What in their background, psychology or personality makes them rant? Is it a common thing or have the drop just made the cup run over?

Also, why is there a rant in your story right here? What is its purpose? Is it building character? Showing plot? Perhaps it's a rant that also is world building? (Imagine in Sci-fi, someone ranting about the glitchy teleporter... how much tech "porn" can't be included in that kind of dialogue?)

The rant should have a function, if possible more than one. A rant for the sake of ranting is most likely going to cause the reader to start skim.

Since a rant could go on for some time, you may need to beware of too much dialogue or the whole thing could get tiresome. Try telling part of the rant instead of showing it all.

Perhaps the POV person isn't the one ranting and his/her mind starts wandering when the ranter circles back to things they have already covered, or perhaps the POV person is the one ranting and he/she feels his audience isn't listening and while ranting (not shown in the text) starts worrying about not getting the message across.

The ranting character should also face opposition. Someone trying to interrupt them, or perhaps people starting to leave. Unless your ranting person is a tech billionaire or a priest people might not want to just sit and listen.

(0)

Login to post a comment!