What is the term for a conversation between characters in a story?

The term that refers to a conversation between characters in a story is "dialogue." This term specifically denotes the spoken exchanges between characters, allowing them to communicate thoughts, feelings, and actions. Dialogue plays a crucial role in storytelling as it helps to develop characters, advance the plot, and create a more immersive experience for the reader. Through dialogue, readers can learn about the relationships between characters and the dynamics of the story in a more engaging way.

In contrast, a monologue represents a long speech by a single character, often expressing their inner thoughts without response from others. Exposition relates to the background information provided in a narrative, which helps to set the context. A soliloquy is similar to a monologue but typically occurs when a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage, revealing personal feelings to the audience instead of interacting with other characters.