Here's why indentation is important:
* Clarity: It clearly distinguishes between different speakers, preventing confusion.
* Readability: It makes the dialogue easier to read and follow.
* Visual cue: The indent acts as a visual cue, alerting the reader to a change in speaker.
Example:
"What time is it?" asked Sarah.
"It's almost 8 o'clock," replied Michael.
"We should get going then."
Without indentation:
"What time is it?" asked Sarah. "It's almost 8 o'clock," replied Michael. "We should get going then."
This version is more difficult to read and understand who is speaking each line.
Other formatting options:
* Double space between speakers: This is an alternative to indentation.
* Use different paragraph styles: For example, use a different font or size for each speaker.
Remember: Consistency is key. Choose a format and stick with it throughout your writing.