What is the term for a conversation between two or more people in literature?

The term "dialogue" refers specifically to the spoken exchanges between two or more characters in literature. It serves as a crucial tool in storytelling, allowing authors to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and explore themes through direct communication. When characters converse, readers gain insight into their personalities, motivations, and relationships, making dialogue an essential component of effective storytelling.

In contrast, "narrative" pertains to the overarching story or account of events, which may include dialogues but does not refer specifically to the conversations themselves. A "monologue" is a speech delivered by a single character, usually expressing their thoughts or feelings without interaction from others. "Discourse" is a broader term that can apply to any written or spoken communication but does not exclusively focus on the conversational aspect common to dialogue. Thus, dialogue is the most precise term for conversations occurring between multiple characters in literature.