Bungie: Good at setting, bad at story (Fan Creations)

by Cody Miller , Music of the Spheres - Never Forgot, Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 18:50 (2584 days ago) @ Ragashingo

I think it’s the other way around. The writers are doing their part to get the right words and dialogue in there.

You can 'lie' with dialogue. It happens all the time. Characters say one thing, but internalize the opposite thing due to poor writing. A strong characterization is what lets the audience know what is going on inside the character's heads, not what they say. Actions and internalizations first; dialogue second. In fact, as a writer that's how you determine what dialogue to write! What would this character say in this situation based on their wants / needs / personality?

Working backwards gives you flimsy characters and weird motivations.