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Dialogue within Dialogue
Asked by John Heskett on June 13, 2020
I have a chapter where Rodney meets with Kiki in a park. Rodney gives Kiki a necklace and pendant. He tells her the adventurous story of how he acquired the pendant gemstone.
The chapter is in Act III. It explains previously unrevealed information from early Act I.
The writing issue: I have a dialogue between Rodney and Kiki. Then I have the dialogue within dialogue of Rodney with a man he met during the adventure when he acquired the gemstone. Rodney is also explaining discoveries he made which effects their relationship going forward.
How is dialogue within dialogue and perhaps again within dialogue handled? How do I punctuate this?
Jerry's Answer
"So," Kiki said, "what did he say?"
"He told me the value, said, 'I think this could change your life.'"
Single quotes within double quotes, John.