: Do you include punctuation when a character cuts off in dialogue? So I have a question concerning punctuation. Let's say that Character A is talking to Character B. Character A, like most people,

@Cugini967

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So I have a question concerning punctuation. Let's say that Character A is talking to Character B. Character A, like most people, doesn't always speak in complete sentences (think about when people interrupt themselves out of confusion, or a sudden realization, etc). A has a question for B, but A doesn't get all the words out. How does one write that down?

Examples (random context, don't worry about it because it doesn't matter) (look at the bold part):
B: "Dude, stop."
A: "What?"
B: "Don't ask me about that."
A: "What are you-"
OR
B: "Dude, stop."
A: "What?"
B: "Don't ask me about that."
A: "What are you-?"

You can see the only difference between these is the final question mark [?]. I know that the words are the same regardless if you place the mark there or not, but putting it there allows the to reader hear a different delivery of the phrase in their head. Humans have a different cadence of speech and pitch when they ask a question vs when they say a statement, and the distinction is important. Adding the question mark there is the only way to show that the phrase is, in fact, a question, and should be read as one. Is it correct to add the question mark at the end, or are you supposed to leave it off? Or do you as the author have the choice between the two?

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