GlossaryPage elements
Parenthetical
Also: wryly
A parenthetical, sometimes called a wryly, is a short instruction in parentheses inside a dialogue block. It notes how a line is delivered or what a character does mid-speech — "(whispering)", "(to Sam)". Used sparingly, it clarifies; overused, it steps on the actor's job.
A parenthetical sits on its own line, indented between the character cue and the line it modifies. It handles three jobs: tone of delivery, who a line is directed to when several people are present, and a tiny beat of action that happens during the speech.
The convention is restraint. If the dialogue itself makes the intent clear, the parenthetical is clutter. Experienced writers cut nine out of ten.