How is a transcript of a conversation different from dialog in fiction?

Answer 1

Dialog in fiction is contrived. It is written to be clear and should contain only necessary words. It usually has little or no semantic noise unless it's a mannerism done for characterization and/or identification of a certain character. Dialog is another form of action that is designed to drive a story forward. Each line should be placed with purpose to reveal specific information but should also feel natural. Although the conversation in fiction appears to be between two or more people, it is of a single mind and each line works together to bring about a desired end, however small. Each line is a set up for the next.

A transcript of conversation is the opposite.

Answer 2

A transcript is a verbatim record of conversation, capturing every word spoken without embellishment or narrative structure. In contrast, dialogue in fiction is crafted to serve the story, conveying character traits, advancing plot, and creating tension through selective and purposeful speech that may not mirror real-life conversations.