Television is a battleground, and in HBO’s Succession, dialogue serves as the ultimate weapon. Jesse Armstrong’s acclaimed series about the power struggles within the Roy family, heirs to a global media empire, has captivated audiences not just with its plot but with its razor-sharp dialogue. Each verbal exchange becomes a duel, every insult a cutting blade. For writers and screenwriters, Succession offers a masterclass in crafting dialogue that isn’t just conversation—it’s combat.
In this article, we’ll dissect how Succession turns dialogue into a weapon, exploring its layered construction, use of subtext, and the way it brings characters to life. Let’s dive into the mechanics of verbal sparring and see how this show raises the stakes with every line.
The Power of Precision: Every Word Counts
In Succession, words are wielded with surgical precision. Whether it’s Logan Roy delivering a curt dismissal or Shiv launching a well-aimed barb at her brothers, the dialogue often feels like a high-stakes chess match. The key here is that no word is wasted. For screenwriters, this is a valuable lesson: brevity can be devastating.
Take Logan’s infamous “You’re not a killer” line to Kendall. At just four words, it’s an annihilation of his son’s character, reducing Kendall’s ambition and efforts to rubble. This is a reminder that dialogue doesn’t have to be long-winded to have a profound impact. In fact, sometimes the shortest sentences leave the deepest wounds.
Writing Tip: When crafting dialogue, focus on economy. Ask yourself: Can this line be distilled further? Is each word carrying its weight?
Subtext as Ammunition
One of the hallmarks of Succession is its masterful use of subtext. Rarely do characters say exactly what they mean. Instead, the true meaning lurks beneath the surface, waiting to be unearthed by the viewer. This mirrors real-life power dynamics, where what’s left unsaid is often as important as what’s spoken.
Consider the scene where Shiv subtly undermines Kendall at a family dinner by feigning concern for his well-being. On the surface, it’s a caring gesture; beneath it, it’s a strategic move to destabilize him. Subtext in Succession is not just about adding depth—it’s a tool for manipulation and control.
Writing Tip: Use subtext to layer your dialogue. What’s the character hiding? What does their body language suggest? Make sure every line operates on multiple levels.
Insults as an Art Form
If Succession has a signature style, it’s the artful insult. Characters trade barbs like seasoned fencers, each attempting to outwit and outmaneuver the other. These insults are rarely crude; instead, they’re tailored to hit the opponent where it hurts most.
Roman, in particular, excels at this. His quips are lightning-fast and deeply personal, often combining wit with cruelty. For instance, when he tells Greg, “You don’t have a dog in this fight, and if you did, I’d put it down,” it’s a line that’s both hilarious and viciously cutting.
Writing Tip: To write compelling insults, know your characters intimately. Tailor the insult to their personality and vulnerabilities. And remember, humor often makes a harsh line more palatable—and more memorable.
Rhythm and Cadence: The Music of Dialogue
Dialogue in Succession is as much about rhythm as it is about content. The rapid-fire exchanges, the pauses pregnant with tension, and the overlapping interruptions create a musicality that mirrors the chaos of the Roy family’s interactions. This pacing keeps the viewer engaged, drawing them into the conversational tug-of-war.
The writers use rhythm strategically to heighten tension. For instance, in moments of conflict, sentences often grow shorter, resembling jabs in a boxing match. During moments of manipulation or persuasion, the dialogue slows, allowing the words to sink in like a carefully planted seed.
Writing Tip: Pay attention to the rhythm of your dialogue. Read it aloud to ensure it flows naturally and conveys the intended emotion. Experiment with pacing to match the tone of the scene.
Character Voice: Distinctive and Authentic
One of Succession’s greatest strengths is its ability to give each character a distinct voice. Logan’s blunt, domineering style contrasts sharply with Roman’s sardonic wit, Shiv’s calculated elegance, and Kendall’s often tortured verbosity. These voices are consistent, reflecting their personalities and positions within the family hierarchy.
For example, Logan’s dialogue is direct and authoritative, often punctuated by expletives. This reflects his no-nonsense approach to life and business. Meanwhile, Roman’s penchant for juvenile humor and shock value underscores his insecurity and need for attention.
Writing Tip: Develop a unique voice for each character by considering their background, motivations, and emotional state. Consistency is key—your audience should be able to recognize who’s speaking even without dialogue tags.
Conflict in Every Exchange
At its core, Succession is about power, and the dialogue reflects this by embedding conflict into almost every exchange. Even seemingly mundane conversations bristle with tension, as characters jockey for dominance or attempt to undermine one another.
This is particularly evident in scenes involving negotiation. Whether it’s a boardroom showdown or a family argument, every line is a power play. The stakes are always high, and the dialogue ensures that the audience feels the weight of every word.
Writing Tip: Infuse conflict into your dialogue by giving each character a clear objective. What do they want from the conversation? How do their goals clash with the other character’s? This friction will keep your scenes dynamic and engaging.
Humor as a Defensive Mechanism
Despite its often dark subject matter, Succession is also incredibly funny, and much of its humor comes through dialogue. Characters use humor as a shield, a sword, or a smokescreen, deflecting vulnerability or disarming their opponents.
Roman, again, is a standout here, but even Logan’s gruff one-liners carry a sardonic edge. The humor often emerges organically from the characters’ personalities and the absurdity of their circumstances, making it all the more impactful.
Writing Tip: Use humor strategically in your dialogue. It can break tension, reveal character, or provide a moment of levity. However, ensure it aligns with the tone of your story and feels natural to the character delivering it.
Lessons for Writers: Crafting Your Own Verbal Sparring
What can writers learn from Succession’s approach to dialogue? Here are a few key takeaways:
- Know Your Characters: Understand their motivations, insecurities, and relationships. This knowledge will inform their dialogue and make their verbal sparring feel authentic.
- Embrace Conflict: Don’t shy away from confrontation in your dialogue. It’s often where the most compelling drama lies.
- Use Subtext: Allow your characters to speak in code, revealing their true intentions through what they don’t say.
- Edit Ruthlessly: Great dialogue often emerges in revision. Trim the fat, sharpen the edges, and ensure every line serves a purpose.
- Experiment with Style: Play with rhythm, pacing, and humor to find a style that fits your story.
Conclusion: The Power of Words in Succession
In Succession, dialogue isn’t just communication—it’s war. Every line is a move in the game, every exchange a battle for supremacy. For screenwriters and writers, the series is a treasure trove of lessons on crafting dialogue that crackles with tension, wit, and emotional resonance.
By studying the show’s approach to verbal sparring, we can learn to wield words with the same precision and power as the Roy family. Whether you’re writing a screenplay, a novel, or even a short story, remember: in the right hands, dialogue can be the sharpest weapon of all.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 