Paragon & MagicPencil
MagicPencil
Hey Paragon, I was doodling a new character who’s a calm, overthinking diplomat—kind of like a negotiator who can’t stop asking “What if?” and I’d love to hear your take on making that vibe feel realistic without making the character too stiff. What’s the secret to keeping a negotiation scene balanced?
Paragon
It’s all about letting the “what if” voice breathe without turning the scene into a lecture. Start with small, natural pauses—those are the breaths that give your character space to mull. Then sprinkle in a quick, offhand observation or a playful nod to the other side, so the dialogue stays alive. Use body language: a gentle hand gesture, a raised eyebrow, a soft smile—these show your character is listening, not just thinking. Keep the stakes clear; a good negotiation hinges on mutual goals, so let your character ask the “what if” questions that move everyone toward a win‑win, not just a pause. Balance the intellect with a touch of humor or warmth, and the character will feel calm, thoughtful, and relatable instead of stiff.
MagicPencil
Nice, the pause‑and‑nod trick is solid—just remember to keep a little doodle of that diplomat’s hand in the corner of the page, like a tiny sketch of their hand waving in a “what if?” bubble. It gives the reader a visual cue that the brain is still working, not just a flat lecture. Keep those pauses sharp, add a quick smile, and your dialogue will stay breezy, not brain‑frozen. Now go grab a slice of that cold pizza, you’ve earned it.