direct discourse

American  

[dih-rekt dis-kawrs, dahy-] / dɪˈrɛkt ˈdɪs kɔrs, daɪ- /

noun

1. a representation of speech in which the speaker's exact words are repeated, as in She said, “I'm not at all hungry.”

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Etymology

Origin of direct discourse

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

The story proper is written entirely in direct discourse which is really soliloquy, shading sometimes into a kind of ghostly dialog.

From Time Magazine Archive

Material is generally considered to be later, for instance, as it increases in length, detail, and direct discourse, and decreases in Jewish influence.

From Time Magazine Archive

The most difficult part of dramatization may be the plan for conversation, especially if the text version of the story contains little or no direct discourse.

From Children's Literature A Textbook of Sources for Teachers and Teacher-Training Classes by Clippinger, Erle Elsworth

Show them that it is better to use direct discourse; that is, to make the characters seem alive.

From Journeys Through Bookland, Vol. 10 The Guide by Sylvester, Charles Herbert

We thus have all the advantages of direct discourse, all the gain in reality—without a hint as to what will be the fate of the leading actors.

From Essays on Modern Novelists by Phelps, William Lyon