Taglines or catch phrases make it easy for readers to remember a character. That’s because repetition creates lasting memories.
Allow me to convince you of the effectiveness of this writing technique by playing a game. I’ll list a catch phrase, you guess the character. (I know some are from television — and some from movies that were never books; but the same principle applies.)
I'll be back.
Shaken, not stirred.
Inconceivable!
Scotty, beam me up.
I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.
Show me the money.
My precious.
You killed my father. Prepare to die!
So how do you invent taglines for your story’s characters. And, once you do, how do you insert them into dialogue without sounding contrived?
Well, that’s the art.
If you have ideas or techniques to share, please tell us in the comment section below.
Oh, and just for the fun of it, I’m sure I missed some of your favorite characters’ taglines. If so, list them below.
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