: Re: Using minimal amount of dialogue to introduce two characters but still move the story along I have always struggled with writing dialogue between my characters in my historical fiction novel.

@Kimberly114

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The answers above are both good, so I'm just adding a few extra notes:

It depends how important each character is to the plot and to the other character how much time and detail you should put into their first meeting. It also depends on whether or not you are simultaneously introducing the reader to these characters as well as introducing them to one another.

What is the minimal amount of dialogue you could use to introduce two people? The answer is none. There are situations and context where you could get away with no in text dialogue at all, something like this:

Alice hadn't waited long when someone who fit Nathaniel's description
entered. Sure enough, he headed in her direction, no doubt recognizing
her as well from what Sally had told him. She smiled, hoping it didn't
look too awkward, and they exchanged pleasantries, waiting for Sally
to arrive. She learned he was a journalist, which she hadn't known,
and he seemed genuinely interested in her work studying marine life. He also had warm brown eyes and a quick smile, and Sally found herself relaxing and enjoying his company, despite her earlier apprehension.
They were discussing a recent news article on platypuses when Sally
finally rushed in, looking out of breath and excited.

Edit: though your situation, as described in the comments, doesn't sound like one where you could get away without dialogue! It sounds like what needs to be discussed is pretty important! As the others said, think about what each character's motives are, what questions they will want answered, and so on. And go from there.

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