by Suzanne Lieurance
So, what are action beats, you might ask?
Well, action beats are small bits of physical action or description inserted into dialogue to show what your characters are doing while they talk.
They’re not full-on action scenes, but little moments that add flavor, break up conversation, and reveal personality.
Think of action beats as the details that make dialogue feel natural and alive.
Instead of having your characters just talk back and forth, you sprinkle in actions like “she shrugged,” “he frowned,” or “they shifted uneasily.”
These small details do more than just fill space; they let your readers see your characters in motion, giving clues about their emotions and thoughts without a full description of every feeling.
Some Reasons to Use Action Beats:
For Pacing and Flow.
Action beats break up long blocks of dialogue.
They create a rhythm that keeps your writing from feeling like a transcript.
When you insert a quick action, it gives the reader a moment to breathe and visualizes the scene.
For Character Insight.
A simple gesture can speak volumes.
A nervous tap of a finger or a confident lean can tell your readers about a character’s state of mind without explicitly stating it.
This “show, don’t tell” approach adds depth to your characters.
For Visual Engagement.
Readers aren’t just listening to words; they’re imagining a scene.
By including physical actions, you help them see the environment and understand the subtext behind the dialogue.
Here is How to Best Use Action Beats:
#1. Keep Them Simple.
Use short, clear descriptions.
The beat should complement the dialogue, not overwhelm it.
A quick action like “he ran a hand through his hair” is enough to convey a moment of frustration or thought.
#2. Make Them Relevant.
Every action beat should have a purpose.
Ask yourself if the gesture reveals something about the character or the situation.
If it doesn’t add value, it might be better left out.
#3. Vary Your Beats.
Not every beat has to be emotional or dramatic.
Sometimes a simple physical gesture—like shifting weight or glancing away—can be just as powerful as a more detailed description.
Use a mix to keep the scene realistic.
#4. Show Character, Don’t Tell.
Use beats to reveal subtle character traits.
A character who nervously fidgets or someone who stands confidently will come off much more vividly to the reader than if you just described their feelings.
Some Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Beats
#1. Overusing Beats.
Too many action beats can clutter your narrative.
Each beat should serve a clear purpose.
If you’re describing every little movement, you risk slowing down the pace and distracting from the dialogue itself.
#2. Underusing Beats.
On the flip side, using too few beats can make dialogue feel static.
Without visual cues or movement, your characters might seem flat or their conversations robotic.
#3. Irrelevant Actions.
Make sure every beat ties back to the scene or character development.
Random actions can confuse readers and take them out of the story.
In Summary
An action beat is a powerful tool in fiction writing.
It adds realism to dialogue, pace to your narrative, and depth to your characters.
By keeping your beats simple, relevant, and integrated with the dialogue, you can make your scenes more engaging and dynamic.
Use action beats thoughtfully to transform plain conversation into vivid, living moments on the page.
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Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 40 published books, a freelance writer, and a Law of Attraction coach for writers.
1 comment:
Thanks for sharing, Suzanne. I didn't know they are called 'action beats' but I do use them in my fiction!
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