Keep your dialogue interesting

Major Thompson had a particular disposition to a particular man. And that man was passing by his office right now.
"Sergeant Thompson!" the major called out, a wry smile forming across his face.
With a heavy heart, the sergeant trudged into the major's office.
"Hey brother," the sergeant mumbled.
"What did you call me?" the major asked, his eyebrows furrowed together in mock anger.
"Cut it out Harry," the sergeant said, "what do you want from me now?"
"Oh just a few things actually. First and foremost I would like to be addressed as sir by those junior in rank."
"I'd be sure to add that in the list of reasons of why I hate you so much, which I'll be sending as a letter to our parents in due time."
Major Thompson's jaw hung wide open.
"You wouldn't!" he whispered.
"Oh I would. What else did you want from me sir?"
"Low blow Charlie. Low blow. However if this is your way of getting out of your duty, then let me tell you, I do not negotiate with terrorists."
"So I'm a terrorist now?"
"I want you to clean the barracks. The usual army cleaner's feeling a little sick. After that I want you to head off to console private Barry, his great aunt died of old age a few months ago as you know and he hasn't been the same ever since."
"I've been the one consoling him for the past few months! Get someone else to comfort that useless piece of..."
"No no no," the major interrupted, "you have a knack for these things little brother. No one else would be able to console a man the way you do."
The sergeant rolled his eyes to the ceilings.
"Afterwards the kitchen staff would love some helping hands to assist with collecting the plates, knives and forks from the table, I put forward your name to help them, told them there was only one man for that job and his name was Charlie Thompson."
The sergeant gritted his teeth, once this war was over he would give his older brother a good beating.
 "Before you clean the barracks, go ahead and make me one of your famous Charlie coffees! Been craving one of those since the last time I forced you to make me one."
"Which was this morning," Charlie said.
"Yes you're right, it has been quite a few hours since I last had one."
"Anything else?"
"Oh yes! I just remembered but I recently removed your letter sending privileges. So basically you won't be able to send our parents any letters concerning yourself, or your life here, or me for any matter," Major Thompson announced.
"Since when!" Charlie shouted.
"Since now," the major replied.
The pair fell silent, yet the tension in the room spoke volumes enough. Another classic Thompson brothers' encounter.



Dialogue should usually contain conflict between the characters partaking in it, since that's what makes it so interesting. (Think parents arguing over pointless shit, or mate arguing with his girlfriend. Almost always entertaining). Dialogue should give a distinct voice to each and every character speaking. Imagine how boring the above conversation between the two brothers would be if they didn't:
a) disagree on everything
b) hate each other
Basically it would mean---
Harry: I want you to do so and so.
Charlie: Yeah sure thing older brother who is of a higher rank in the army.
LAMEEEEE.
 Keep your dialogue concise, a purpose to it all (either a way to develop your character, or explain your character's personality some more, or to further your plot), and witty as hell! (when relevant of course).



Take care!