Dual dialogue — when two characters speak at the same time — is a common screenwriting technique. It creates energy, conflict, and rhythm. Here's how to format it in Fountain.
When characters talk over each other, the page should show it. That's what dual dialogue is for.
The Basic Syntax
In Fountain, you create dual dialogue by adding a caret (^) before the second character's name. That's it. One symbol.
Turns this:
Into this:
This tells the parser to display both dialogue blocks side by side, indicating the characters are speaking simultaneously.
Tip
The caret (^) goes directly before the second character's name. No space between them. Think of it as "gluing" the two speeches together.
When to Use Dual Dialogue
Dual dialogue isn't just formatting — it's storytelling. Use it when simultaneous speech adds meaning to the scene.
Arguments
Characters talking over each other in heated moments. Neither willing to let the other finish.
The overlap shows desperation, panic, loss of control. The scene feels more volatile than sequential dialogue ever could.
Phone Conversations
Showing both sides of a call simultaneously. The audience sees what both characters can't — the full picture.
Note
Phone calls don't require dual dialogue. You can also cut between speakers or show only one side. Dual dialogue is a stylistic choice — use it when you want the audience to experience both perspectives at once.
Comedic Timing
Characters jinxing each other. Finishing each other's sentences. The comedy of perfect synchronicity.
Comedy lives in timing. Dual dialogue lets you control that timing on the page.
Contrasting Reactions
Two characters responding to the same event in opposite ways:
Formatting Tips
Warning
Keep dual dialogue short. Long simultaneous speeches are hard to read and even harder to perform. If each character is talking for more than two lines, reconsider the approach.
Don't overuse it. Dual dialogue is a tool for specific moments, not a default format. If every argument uses dual dialogue, it loses its impact.
Make sure both lines are roughly the same length. Unbalanced dual dialogue looks awkward on the page and confuses the rhythm.
Tip
Read it aloud. If you can't naturally speak both lines at roughly the same time, the dual dialogue probably needs trimming.
CoffeeDraft Support
CoffeeDraft fully supports dual dialogue. Just use the caret syntax and the preview will display your dialogue side by side, exactly as it will appear in your final script.
No special mode. No extra steps. Just write the caret and keep going.