Is there a formal term for prose fiction composed entirely (or principally) of dialogue?

[Orrex]

Of course, many plays would fit this description, but I'm referring to fiction written as prose with no intent to have it produced in dramatic format. I'm also speaking of (probably rather short) self-contained works rather than brief, dialogue-only passages in longer works, though even in that case I suppose that the technique could have a formal name.

I ask out of curiosity because I've recently seen a few pieces in this style in an online writers' forum. I have to say that I really don't care for it, because I've seldom seen the dialogue written in such a way as to be convincing in the absence of scene-context. However, it occurs to me that there might be a name for the device.

[kentauros]

1. I don't know what it's called,

but my first introduction to it was in college. The story was set in either the Civil War or the Great War, with three soldiers huddled around a fire, talking. I remember it was difficult to follow who was talking. It was also short, like no more than maybe five pages.

If you can find that story, you might then find a designation for the prose. I believe it was also written at least as long ago as the time in which it is set.

[Orrex]

2. Thanks--I'll look into it.

You've also identified the other problem with dialogue-only stories--unless the writer is skilled and careful, it gets hard to tell whose saying what.

I'm not saying that I need a three-ring circus and a fireworks display going on in the background; a story can be principally composed of dialogue as long as it's done well.

[kentauros]

3. Well, if you try it, post a little.

Because I'm sure it would be quite a challenge to anyone's writing abilities ;)

[Orrex]

4. Hey, don't look at me!

In the OP I mentioned an online writers' forum in which I encountered a piece like that, and it was dreadful. It was mercifully short but hard to get through even so...

I may try it at some point, but I'm not really interested in writing in this format. I love writing dialogue, though.

[kentauros]

5. But if you don't try

you won't get your chance at becoming the next great experimental literary giant in the eyes of the New York Book Review!!1! :P

I like writing dialogue, too. I just have to remember not to write too much, so I can get into the thoughts of the characters as well ;)

[marions ghost]

6. Plays

or screenplays.

There's a short story that JD Salinger wrote called Bananafish, which is largely dialogue. Gives you an idea of how relentless it is. But he got away with it. It's all in using it for a purpose, ie. if you can justify it.