A Writer’s Guide
The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there
~ L.P. Hartley
One little anachronism and the spell is broken—
These words provided me with the perfect kick in the pants when I first started writing historical dialogue . They captured the challenge for me, but I’m guessing that’s something we’ve all faced when crafting historical dialogue.
But have you ever noticed how readers react when they spot words that kinda sit like a square peg, trying to squeeze into a round hole—it just doesn’t match the time period!
It’s a sure-fire way to seeing them slam the book shut!
Too make the climb even steeper, writing dialogue gets even trickier the further back in time. That’s because English takes on these weird, unfamiliar forms. But creating conversations that are authentic will transport readers to your desired time and space. And that’s precisely why we’re all doing this, right?
Written dialogue compared to actual historical speech is like a Rachmaninov sonata compared to cat videos on YouTube. We all watch and love them, but it’s never a fair comparison!
However, we don’t actually want perfect historical accuracy; that often has the effect of confusing the crap out of readers. So, our goal is to create an authentic illusion instead.
Language, throughout history, is often reflected through the social classes, too. And, a nobleman’s speech is going to be vastly from a street vendor’s words… and a 19th-century doctors vocabulary will heavily contrast with that of a medieval monk’s colloquial expressions. I learned this the hard way when a beta reader told me all my characters sounded exactly the same. Shit!
This piece explores ways to craft historical dialogue that balances authenticity with readability. You’ll learn everything from period-appropriate vocabulary to adjusting character voices based on social status. These techniques will help your historical characters speak in believable ways that chime in with readers, and I wish I’d had this guide when I started writing.
Table of Contents
What Makes Historical Dialogue Unique
- Why modern speech doesn’t fit
- The illusion of authenticity vs. actual accuracy
Understand the Reader’s Expectations
- What readers want from historical dialogue
- How much accuracy is too much
Technique 1: Use Period-Appropriate Vocabulary
- How to find era-specific words
- Avoiding overuse of archaic terms
Technique 2: Adjust Tone Based on Social Class
- How nobles, workers and clergy spoke differently
- Examples of class-based speech patterns
Technique 3: Sprinkle in Historical Flavour
- Using dialects, idioms and foreign words
- When to explain unfamiliar terms
Technique 4: Research Real Sources
- Using letters, plays and newspapers
- Tools like the Oxford English Dictionary
Technique 5: Balance Clarity with Authenticity
- Modern readability vs. historical realism
- How to simplify without losing flavour
Technique 6: Test Your Dialogue
- Reading aloud to catch awkward phrasing
- Getting feedback from critique partners
What Makes Historical Dialogue Unique
Historical dialogue succeeds when it bridges the gap between the past and the present. When it feels historically accurate yet accessible to a contemporary audience.
~ Rebecca Pickens, Historical fiction writing coach at The Historical Fiction Company
Historical dialogue sits in a unique position within the literary canon. It’s a space where real history meets today’s readability, and, unlike other parts of historical fiction, dialogue will bring its own set of challenges that can either pull readers into your story or have them running for the hills.
I use modern English but change it sideways a little, so that there are some unusual words, some Tudor rhythms, a suggestion of otherness.
~ Hilary Mantel, Booker Prize-winning author of Wolf Hall
Why modern speech doesn’t fit
The English language has seen dramatic changes through history, and the change often occurs, incrementally throughout the generations.
This creates a fundamental problem for readers and writers alike. Just try reading Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales from the 14th century.
Aleyn spak first, Al hayl, Symond, y-fayth; How fares thy faire doghter and thy wyf?
Literally. WTF?
Hopefully, now, you’ll quickly see why truly authentic historical speech just doesn’t work in today’s fiction. I mean, who talks like that anymore?
However, we need to tread lightly here, when transforming the past to present, because modern expressions can destroy the historical illusion quickly. For instance, you would have never heard James Joyce using the word YEET!
Let’s look at some other examples that break immersion:
Modern language brings about modern thinking.
Historical fiction experts point out that characters from earlier periods: mustn’t express ideas they could not have had, and feelings they would not have had. For instance, they didn’t draw metaphors from a scientific worldview, but from a religious one. They weren’t democrats. And they weren’t feminists (at least not until the mid 19th century). But people back then saw their world through completely different eyes. If you’re writing with a set agenda, it can be troublesome learning to accept this!
Social class shaped how people spoke too. The upper classes used formal speech with complex sentences and refined vocabulary. Working-class characters spoke more directly, often using colloquialisms and slang.
Men and women’s speech patterns differed too, changing based on who they talked to. I’ve found this little intricacy quite challenging when writing across gender lines.
The illusion of authenticity vs. actual accuracy
A central paradox exists in historical dialogue: authenticity is not the same as accuracy.
Historically accurate dialogue would confuse today’s readers, especially in stories set before the 18th century. Just try reader an accurate translation of: The Divine Comedy, which requires its own translation guide.
Historical novelists don’t want to misrepresent our ancestors, but we don’t want to make the reader impatient.
~ Hilary Mantel
Nowadays, writers must create what experts call the impression of accuracy while keeping the language relatable to modern audiences.
This impression often matters more than actual accuracy in storytelling. Writers perform a literary magic trick. We aim to craft dialogue that feels historically believable yet remains readable and engaging. It is like we’re all pulling off this elaborate con job, isn’t it?
Skilled writers create this illusion by:
Many historical fiction writers (me included, when I first started out) make their characters sound a certain, no matter the time period. It’s often the voice we here inside our own imaginations. Take the Victorian era as a predictable example. Speaking this way—on the page—creates its own problems. And because Victorian speech patterns were unique in history, almost no one in any other historical period spoke like the Victorians.
Stories set in Anglo-Saxon times might actually sound more authentic using today’s language (minus obvious modern terms) than stiff and uptight Victorian prose. Still, readers expect certain things to sound historical, even when these expectations don’t match reality. It does get frustrating at times, but these are the parameters we’re dealing with.
The goal isn’t to perfectly copy how people spoke. That’s quite impossible. Instead, writers should aim to transport readers mentally while keeping them grounded in the present.
Good historical dialogue builds a bridge between past and present. It feels true to the period yet; it should make sense to today’s readers.
Understand the Reader’s Expectations
Historical fiction readers bring a unique set of expectations that might catch even seasoned writers off guard. Therefore, writers need to understand these expectations and create dialogue that strikes a chord while it keeps a realistic appeal.
What readers want from historical dialogue
Readers long to lose themselves inside a good book. But they also want dialogue that takes them to a different era without reaching for a dictionary every second line. I know that would piss me off. Plus, it breaks my flow and concentration, so I end up losing my place in the book.
So, it goes without saying, that this would create an interesting challenge for writers, because readers need both authenticity and readability at the same time.
Here’s what readers look for in historical dialogue:
Many readers care more about how authentic the dialogue feels than actual historical accuracy.
As one historical fiction editor put it: Readers don’t necessarily know what’s historically accurate, but they know what feels right.
This feeling comes mostly from other historical fiction they’ve read, which means fictional standards sometimes matter more than historical facts. A weird paradox, right?
The dialogue should also reflect the societal structures of the time. A peasant, for instance will talk differently to a King than he would to other peasants.
These speech differences help readers get a grip on the social fabrics of the historical world.
How much accuracy is too much?
Readers want authenticity. But… too many cooks do spoil the broth, and though historical accuracy matters, we can often do more harm than good. Writers must know when to simplify and when to keep period details.
You might have too much accuracy if:
Historical accuracy becomes a problem when readers can’t enjoy or understand the story.
Medieval English would make no sense to today’s readers. Even Victorian English, which is easier to understand, can sound too formal if copied retentively.
On top of that, regional accents pose special problems. Writing out accents exactly might be historically accurate, but it often frustrates readers.
Take this Scottish dialogue, for instance: Och, dinnae fash yersel’ aboot it, hen. A’m no’ needin’ yer help th’ day.
Is it accurate? One hundred percent. Can I understand it; well, sorta, but I’m only guessing.
Most readers would prefer something simpler: Do not trouble yourself about it. I don’t need your help today.
With just a touch of accent in key phrases, this instantly becomes more immersive, and palatable.
Therefore, we should aim to create what historical fiction novelist Hilary Mantel calls a credible world rather than a perfect copy.
Historical dialogue is nothing more than a tool we employ in bringing the period to life while keeping the punters entertained.
So, once again… good historical dialogue isn’t about perfect recreation. Writers need to translate the past for modern readers while keeping its unique character and broth intact.
Technique 1: Use Period-Appropriate Vocabulary
The right vocabulary builds the foundation of believable historical dialogue. A single out-of-place word can break the illusion of your historical world and pull readers away from your story. Research skills and artistic judgment will help you strike the perfect balance between authentic period vocabulary and readability.
How to find era-specific words
Primary sources like letters, diaries, newspapers, and speeches from the time period can provide a sense of the vocabulary and expressions people used.
~ Rebecca Pickens, Historical fiction writing coach
Writers need to understand when words entered the English language.
Many authors (including yours truly!) have made the mistake of using terms that didn’t exist during their story’s timeline.
These following resources will help you check when specific words came into use:
Primary sources from your chosen era offer valuable vocabulary insights too.
The period’s letters, plays, newspapers, and literature show words in their proper context.
Reading these materials can help you get a handle on the language’s rhythm and flow, along with all the specific, and relevant words.
Here’s a practical example: An author writing about 1848 had a character who tuned out during an argument. Research showed this phrase appeared in 1908. Some sixty years too late. The same character couldn’t update someone because that verb usage started in 1944. I’ve made similar mistakes… but it happens to us all!
Verbs often cause anachronism problems, too, and English nouns can change into verbs as language grows. The word impact existed as a noun until the 1870s before people used it as a verb. Google Ngram Viewer helps track these changes in word usage.
Avoiding overuse of archaic terms
Authentic vocabulary adds realism, but too many old-fashioned words make the text hard to read. A seasoned historical fiction editor once said: The biggest problem is that modern readers don’t know this language.
Ain’t that the truth!
The solution lies in balance.
A light touch of period-appropriate terms creates atmosphere without confusing readers. Think of historical vocabulary like seasoning—just enough to add flavour.
Authors sometimes believe more archaic language makes their work more authentic. This approach fails because modern writers can’t use old language naturally. We don’t speak it daily or hear it from others—making it hard to use correctly and making it easy for readers to quit.
Period-appropriate dialogue works best when the story comes first.
So, ask yourself this: Do you want readers to experience your characters’ world or show off your research?
The language should help tell your story, not create barriers for readers.
Watch for these warning signs of too much archaic language:
As I’ve stated, on multiple occasions, the goal isn’t perfect historical accuracy but creating believable authenticity. Choose words from your time period carefully. Avoid overwhelming readers with obscure terms and create dialogue that honours history and keeps the reader engaged.
Technique 2: Adjust Tone Based on Social Class
Societal classes have, undeniably shaped how people speak throughout history.
But they’ve also created clear linguistic markers that writers of historical fiction need to understand for believable dialogue. Most societies had deep social divisions, and language both showed these divisions and helped keep them in place.
How nobles, workers, and clergy spoke differently
The way people spoke in historical societies went way beyond their choice of words. Christian Europe’s three-estate system—clergy (First Estate), nobility (Second Estate), and commoners (Third Estate)—led to some quite distinguishable speaking styles.
Nobles developed speech patterns that showed their high status.
Their language had these features:
Rules about who could speak to whom and how they addressed each other were also crucial.
Or, as one source points out: Who entered the room before who was very important if you’re writing about the aristocracy, as well as getting their titles correct.
Commoners made up over 90% of the population in pre-revolutionary France.
They spoke more directly and practically because of their different priorities and education. The Third Estate itself had major differences between the bourgeoisie (middle class) and the working poor—also known as sans-culottes.
The clergy held a special position which formed a bridge between the classes.
Their speech was full of religious vocabulary, with Biblical references and Latin phrases mixed in with conversation, and the Church offered rare chances for social mobility, letting commoners rise to powerful positions.
Examples of class-based speech patterns
Research shows strong links between social class and speech patterns.
Studies have shown that people could detect a speaker’s social class just by hearing short speech samples.
Writers of historical fiction should adjust their dialogue based on each character’s background.
Here are some class-based differences:
Writers should heed on the side of caution when showing non-standard dialogue, too.
One source even cautions that dialogue can be unintentionally classist or racist when proper speech comes from those in power, suggesting that non-standard English speakers are ill-educated, stupid, or inferior.
My suggestion here is to hire a sensitivity reader who can point out any indiscretions in your manuscript.
Social class boundaries have become blurred over time, but writers still need to understand historical speech patterns for authentic dialogue. Speech doesn’t just show social position; it helps maintain it. Characters knew these differences well and adapted, based on who they spoke to.
And now we, as creative writers, can build more authentic historical worlds by adjusting dialogue tone based on social class. This helps characters speak in ways that not only show off their personalities, but their place in social hierarchy.
Technique 3: Sprinkle in Historical Flavour
Writing authentic historical dialogue needs a delicate touch, too. And, just as a chef knows exactly how much seasoning works best, writers of historical fiction have to understand that strategic placement matters more than quantity.
Using dialects, idioms, and foreign words
The less is more principle makes historical dialogue work better.
Hilary Mantel, who wrote the acclaimed Wolf Hall trilogy, talks about her method: I use modern English but change it sideways a little, so that there are some unusual words, some Tudor rhythms, a suggestion of otherness.
This approach creates a 16th century English feel without alienating its modern readers. I’ve tried to follow her example, but it’s harder than it looks!
A single word can transport readers to a different time.
Larry McMurtry shows this in Lonesome Dove’s first dialogue:
You pigs git, Augustus said, kicking the shoat.
Head on down to the creek if you want to eat that snake.
The word git (instead of “get”) takes us right to the American frontier. It connects to the classic cowboy song Git Along, Little Dogies while keeping the text available to readers.
Foreign words and phrases add authenticity when used naturally. Here are some good approaches:
Your research should include interesting or period-specific phrases that catch your eye. Phrases from newspaper articles of your chosen era showed up in daily conversations too. These real expressions will impact your readers the same way they affected you.
I keep a special notebook just for these phrases!
When to explain unfamiliar terms
Even carefully chosen historical terms sometimes need explanation.
The trick lies in clarifying without breaking the story’s flow. Several methods work well:
Note that readers don’t need to understand every foreign term exactly. The word’s general role in context usually gives enough meaning to enjoy the story, and you really just have to trust that your readers will ‘get it’!
Technique 4: Research Real Sources
Primary sources like letters, diaries, newspapers, and speeches from the time period can provide a sense of the vocabulary and expressions people used.
~ Rebecca Pickens, Historical fiction writing coach at The Historical Fiction Company
Primary sources are the foundations of authentic historical dialogue.
The past comes alive through documents written by people who lived during your chosen era, but they’re also a great way to get insights that no modern reference book can match.
Using letters, plays, and newspapers
Letters are still one of the most valuable resources for historical dialogue writers.
Letter writing has been one of the most pervasive literate activities throughout history, dating back to the earliest forms of writing, and they hold a special place in our history because writers penned them at the time of historical events. They capture raw emotions and contemporary language patterns that retrospective accounts can only mimic.
POW letters during World War II reveal fascinating insights, too.
A captured Greaser Claude Bloss exchanged 223 letters with his wife Dorrie throughout the 5 years he was locked up. His letters gave an authentic glimpse into how people communicated during periods of extreme duress.
This, you must understand, is something we cannot fabricate convincingly without proper and thorough research.
Theatrical works offer another wealth of dialogue examples.
Unlike formal writing, plays aim to replicate natural speech patterns of their era.
Shakespeare, for instance, shows how different social classes spoke in Elizabethan England, while restoration comedies showcase the witty banter of 17th-century aristocrats.
Historical newspapers hold rich material for dialogue writers—such as:
Digital collections now make accessing historical newspapers easier.
The Centre for Research Libraries helps locate hard-to-find newspapers on microfilm.
Projects like Chronicling America give access to digitised newspapers dating back to 1690.
You can literally get lost for hours trawling through this material.
Tools like the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) stands as the preeminent resource for historical dialogue writers. Each word entry in the OED provides:
The OED shows that dialogue first appeared as a verb in the late 1500s, with earliest evidence from 1595. This precision helps writers avoid anachronisms that break reader immersion quickly.
The OED proves valuable especially when checking expressions commonly misused in historical fiction.
Research shows that tis and ’twas appeared from the 1500s onward, while ‘twere showed up mainly in 1800s writing.
Many writers sprinkle these terms into medieval dialogue incorrectly, but I’m guessing we’re all guilty of this too!
The Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary (HTOED) organises words chronologically.
One scholar calls it a map of English language development, while historical novelists find this resource helpful to avoid anachronistic dialogue.
Writers should immerse themselves in primary sources from their target period first.
Then they can use reference tools like the OED to verify specific word usage.
This approach grounds dialogue in authentic patterns while preventing embarrassing anachronisms that alert readers might notice.
Technique 5: Balance Clarity with Authenticity
The biggest challenge in crafting historical dialogue lies in striking the right balance between authenticity and clarity.
Historical dialogue works best when it bridges the gap between the past and the present—when it feels historically accurate yet available to a contemporary audience.
Modern readability vs. historical realism
Historical accuracy sometimes needs to give way to modern comprehension.
One expert points out that, It is sometimes better to err on the side of clarity, even at the cost of some original complexity.
This balance becomes especially vital in historical fiction where archaic language might push readers away.
The main goal isn’t to perfectly reproduce history but to create what we call the illusion of authenticity.
Just like stage makeup appears exaggerated up close but looks perfect from the audience’s view, historical dialogue succeeds when it gives readers enough period flavour without overwhelming them.
Cultural context and historical accuracy play vital roles—
A medieval knight shouldn’t be spouting modern slang.
Yet… going too far in the interests of period-accurate dialogue can alienate most readers.
How to simplify without losing flavour
These practical approaches help achieve this delicate balance:
Readability matters more than getting your historical diction 100% accurate.
Your main goal should focus on clarity while giving readers just enough older touches to evoke the time period.
Successful historical dialogue creates a delicate dance between realism and readability.
That means, you need to capture the essence of historical speech while removing elements that might confuse modern readers.
Technique 6: Test Your Dialogue
Your historical dialogue needs thorough testing before publication, no matter how much research you’ve done.
The right vocabulary and tone based on social class take hours to craft, but these final checks help your historical dialogue appeal to readers.
Reading aloud to catch awkward phrasing
Reading your historical dialogue aloud is the most powerful testing technique you can use.
Professional writers recommend this practice as their top addition to any writing routine for crafting dialogue.
My brain often skips over errors, repeated words, and odd phrasing during silent reading, b reading aloud makes me notice every word and quickly reveals:
You should release your inner actor while testing historical dialogue.
Think of yourself recording an audiobook, because this approach helps you spot places where readers might stumble or lose themselves in your historical world. I read everything aloud now, even if it makes my dogs think I’ve lost my mind!
Getting feedback from critique partners
Careful self-editing isn’t enough because blind spots always exist in our work.
The right critique partners are a great way to get feedback on historical dialogue.
The word qualified absolutely matters here, because you need fellow writers who understand historical fiction and correct grammar and syntax.
One expert even stresses that if someone who isn’t a writer offers to read your historical dialogue, to just SAY NO.
People who don’t write usually can’t spot character inconsistencies, plot problems, or modern speech patterns.
Your critique partners need specific questions about your dialogue, like:
Does the dialogue sound authentic to the period?
Are there places where modern phrasing breaks immersion?
Do different social classes sound distinct from each other?
Good communication matters most, because critiquing works both ways.
A strong critique partner relationship works like dating and needs clear expectations.
Their fresh eyes often catch problems you miss after months of writing.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Crafting Believable Historical Dialogue
I like to create imaginary characters and events around a real historical situation. I want readers to feel: OK, this probably didn’t happen, but it might have.
~ Ken Follett
Period fiction writers face their biggest challenge in creating historical dialogue , yet it brings the most satisfaction.
This article explores how authentic-sounding conversation needs both careful research and creative judgment.
Your readers will stay immersed in your fictional world if you can balance historical accuracy with modern readability.
Note that creating the illusion of historical speech matters more than perfect accuracy.
Most modern readers would find actual medieval dialogue confusing, while Victorian patterns might sound forced and unnatural.
Your goal should be what Hilary Mantel calls a credible world where characters speak authentically without overwhelming your audience.
Research is without doubt the foundation of believable historical dialogue.
Primary sources like letters, newspapers, and plays are a great way to get insights into how people communicated in your chosen era.
The Oxford English Dictionary helps verify when specific words became common, which prevents embarrassing anachronisms that break reader immersion.
Speech variations based on social class play a crucial role.
Nobility used different speech patterns than commoners, while clergy spoke with distinct religious vocabulary. These differences showed and strengthened social hierarchies that today’s readers expect to see in historical fiction.
Reading your dialogue aloud and getting feedback from qualified critique partners will improve your work by a lot. This helps you spot awkward phrases that might look good on paper but sound strange when spoken.
Several techniques work together to create dialogue that keeps readers engaged while transporting them to another time.
You can use period-appropriate vocabulary, adjust tone for social class, add historical flavour, study primary sources, and find the sweet spot between clarity and authenticity.
These skills help you write conversations that feel real without becoming hard to read.
Your historical characters should have voices that show both their era and their unique personality.
Readers forget they’re reading fiction when you find the right balance, and historical dialogue works best not by copying exactly how people spoke, but by creating a believable illusion that makes the past come alive.
FAQs
How can I make historical dialogue sound authentic without being difficult to read?
Balance period-appropriate vocabulary with modern readability.
Use a light sprinkling of era-specific terms and phrases to create atmosphere but keep most of the language neutral and accessible to contemporary readers.
Should I use actual historical speech patterns in my dialogue?
No, actual historical speech would likely be incomprehensible to modern readers.
Instead, create an illusion of authenticity by adjusting tone, vocabulary, and phrasing to evoke the era while keeping the dialogue understandable.
How do I adjust dialogue for different social classes in historical fiction?
Research how social class affected speech patterns in your chosen era.
Upper classes used more formal and complex language, while lower classes spoke more directly. Reflect these differences in your characters’ vocabulary, sentence structure, and forms of address.
What resources can help me write accurate historical dialogue?
Primary sources like letters, plays, and newspapers from your chosen era are invaluable.
The Oxford English Dictionary is useful for checking when words entered the language. Historical fiction set in similar periods can also provide inspiration for dialogue techniques.
How much historical accuracy is too much when it comes to dialogue?
Prioritise readability and storytelling over strict historical accuracy.
If readers need to re-read dialogue multiple times to understand it, or if the flow of conversation feels interrupted by unfamiliar terms, you’ve likely gone too far with historical authenticity.
