History Main / TerseTalker

* Gwen from ''Webcomic/SleeplessDomain'' is rather {{TheStoic stoic]] and rarely speaks in more than one or two words at a time.

Character talks in shorthand. Often avoids "being" verbs or sentence subjects. Often due to keeping journal. Makes character more distinctive/memorable. Annoying to some. Prone to PunctuatedForEmphasis

* Happens in ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'' if you decide to KillEmAll. Save point fluff changes to just "X left" and "Determination." New description text [[spoiler:from the Fallen Child]] is also terse. It's a marked change from a neutral or pacifist playthrough where the prose is fairly loose and comical.

* Surprisingly to modern audiences, [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] originally talked like this prior to the rising popularity of the Savage Hulk personality, speaking perfectly legible English but very gruffly. In most of his more intelligent personas, particularly the Green Scar, he often speaks like this.

* As a consequence of being modeled on ''Bridget Jones's Diary'', Cassandra Clare's ''Fanfic/TheVerySecretDiaries'' and all their numerous parodies and imitations.

%%* Uxie from ''FanFic/PokeWars''.
* Cassandra does this a fair bit in ''Fanfic/AngelOfTheBat,'' in an attempt to bring attention to her poor speaking skills.

* Ryuuko in chapter three of ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11449951/3/Through-Thick-and-Thin Through Thick and Thin,]]'' when she converses with Nonon, Uzu, Gamagoori and Houka, mostly answering in simple sentences, however, she is not one otherwise. Semi justified as she was tired at the time.

* L'le in ''Fanfic/TheKeysStandAlone'' speaks this way. He blames the big scar on his throat, saying it makes speaking painful. Mostly a put-on; it's part of a personal myth (he can speak normally if need be).
** Also the Svenjaya, though some of that is contractually required of them.
* [[Videogame/{{Bioshock}} Jack Wynand]] in ''[[https://www.tthfanfic.org/Story-26389-27/TheDivineDemon+Divine+Ideas+From+A+Demonic+Mind.htm Haven]]'' talks in short, sometimes fragmented, sentences due to his throat injury making speaking difficult.
* Darth Maul and [[spoiler:Bellatrix/Mother]] in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11171261/50/Free-from-Force Free from Force]]'' speak this way for a time due to being on a Star Destroyer without power and having to share a single oxygen mask.

* Subverted in ''Film/DeathRace2000''. [[BadassDriver Frankenstein]] talks this way when being interviewed by the press, as befits a cold-blooded villain whose face has undergone extensive reconstructive surgery. However, it's all an act--Frankenstein is actually a LegacyCharacter and this trope is only to conceal this fact. When the mask comes off, he looks and talks like anyone else.

* Candy and her journal entries in David R. Palmer's novel ''Literature/{{Emergence}}''.

* Mac in ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' hoards words. he almost never speaks in complete sentences, usually limiting his communication to single words or phrases. In ''Changes'', [[spoiler: when Harry explains that his daughter has been kidnapped]], the event is so shocking that [[spoiler: Mac actually speaks an entire paragraph.]]
* Ulath in [[Literature/TheElenium the Sparhawk series]]. Often will sum up a complex idea with one word and let others figure it out.
* Evelyn Howard from Creator/AgathaChristie's ''Literature/TheMysteriousAffairAtStyles''. As narrator [[TheWatson Hastings]] puts it, her speech is "couched in the telegraphic style."
* Mannie, narrator of ''Literature/TheMoonIsAHarshMistress'', talks like this, skipping short pronouns (such as "it") and articles (such as "the") when not strictly necessary to clarity. Makes him sound vaguely Russian, and is not common in Luna, but experience as computer programmer has gotten him into habit of dropping extraneous 'null terms', as he sees them, from vocabulary.
* In Literature/{{the Continental Op}} stories by Creator/DashiellHammett, one of the Op's fellow operatives, Dick Foley, is described as talking "like a [[ThriftyScot Scotchman's]] telegram."
* In ''Literature/TheFirstLaw'' trilogy, Grim is TheQuietOne, often staying silent for days. When he does talk, it's usually only a few words. Dogman notes that when he does make an observation, it's usually to say something that [[CaptainObvious doesn't need saying]].

* Oz on ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer''. Witness this exchange from "[[Recap/BuffyTheVampireSlayerS3E13TheZeppo The Zeppo]]":

** And from the ''Series/{{Angel}}'' episode "[[Recap/AngelS01E03InTheDark In the Dark]]", Oz and [[TheQuietOne Angel]] catch up on Sunnydale gossip:

* ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'': Worf tends to speak in extremely short sentences. Maybe six words at most. No more.
* In an episode of ''Series/{{The Office|US}}'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFiHaMdPPZE Kevin decides to use fewer and simpler words to save time,]] to the annoyance of his coworkers.

* Lyle from the ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'' series. He talks like this often. Bang.

* Abathur from ''VideoGame/StarcraftIIHeartOfTheSwarm'', and also a geneticist, speaks like this quite a bit.

* The BigBad of ''VideoGame/KirbyAndTheForgottenLand'', [[spoiler:Fecto Forgo]], can only speak about two or three words per sentence [[spoiler:because it is "[[DarkLordOnLifeSupport incomplete]]", and doesn't have the energy for much more than [[ImMelting holding itself together]].]]

* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', one of the Courier's companions, Boone, will alternate between this method of speech and speaking in complete sentences. These also tie in to the two personalities he displays in the course of conversations with him--the classic ColdSniper and a more emotional, generally decent, but [[IronWoobie heavily traumatized man who just happens to be one of the most lethal people in the Mojave]].
** There's also [[EvilCounterpart Ulysses]] in the ''Lonesome Road'' add-on, who somehow manages to combine this with WarriorPoet.
* Sten in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins''.
-->'''Warden''': Tell me about the qunari.\\
'''Sten''': No.
* Rammus of ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' responds to any and all orders from his summoner (you, the player) with stuff like "Yup" and "Okay." In fact, Rammus has a whopping six lines, only two of which make it as far as two syllables.
* The Batter from ''Videogame/{{OFF}}'' tends to give one or two word answers to things.
* Chou-Chou's Terse form in ''Videogame/MugenSouls'', [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin obviously]].

* Strix from ''VideoGame/{{Paladins}}'' is a quiet ColdSniper who only speak when he has to. When he does speak, he usually doesn't use more than four words.
* Two characters have this habit in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses''. Dedue, Prince Dimitri's [[UndyingLoyalty loyal vassal]], and Shamir, the ColdSniper mercenary. The two actually bond over their brevity, liking how they both get to the point and don't waste time on needless banter.
* ''VideoGame/DivinityOriginalSinII'': The [[WasOnceAMan Sallow Man]] prefers to communicate through non-verbal {{Telepathy}}; when he speaks out loud, he [[EvilSoundsRaspy hoarsely]] forces out one word at a time, as though it's difficult or painful.
* ''VideoGame/GranblueFantasy'' has Galleon. In her mortal form, she only ever says one word at a time, using {{telepathy}} to convey what that word is ''supposed'' to mean. In her dragon form, she uses HulkSpeak and is a little more verbose, but not by much.
* ''VideoGame/BugFables'': The NPC running the Termite City Bomb Shop never says more than two words at a time. Such as "[Price] berries." when purchasing an item, "Done." when one is bought, and "No space." if the party's inventory is full.

* It happens sometimes in ''Webcomic/PennyArcade'' when they make a joke that falls short of expectations, and they try to explain it in sentence fragments.
* Zz'dtri from ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'', EvilCounterpart to [[SesquipedalianLoquaciousness Vaarsuvius]], never speaks in complete sentences.
--> '''Vaarsuvius:''' [[KillItWithFire BURN]], you insufferably terse dullard!

* In ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'', the Question, Rorschach's reverse-double-{{Expy}}, does this when he's figuring out the conspiracy and hadn't slept in days. "Not [[AnotherDimension alternate universe.]] Time loop!" It highlights his increasing SanitySlippage at the time, as he usually speaks in a normal - if monotonous - manner.
* Characters who don't ordinarily exhibit this trope will sometimes do so when injured or fatigued, as in this example from an old ''[[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers Transformers]]'' G1 episode:
-->'''Optimus Prime''': Badly damaged. Losing energy rapidly. Power relays fused. Mobility limited. Part replacement essential.
** A trope which is parodied by ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''.
--->'''Comic Book Guy:''' Unable... to continue... describing... symptoms... *collapses*

* Omega Supreme from the G1 ''[[WesternAnimation/TheTransformers Transformers]]'' cartoon. Just about everything he ever said was two-word sentences, on the order of noun-adjective ("Repairs complete. Disaster averted.")
** Omega tends to do this in many incarnations. As does Soundwave.
--->'''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Ginormous, homage-tastically recolored virtual Soundwave]]''': ESCAPE IS IMPOSSIBLE. AUTOBOTS INFERIOR, SOUNDWAVE SUPERIOR.

* ''WesternAnimation/WeBareBears'': Ice Bear fits trope. He's also a ThirdPersonPerson.

* Rorschach from ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'' is always like this when talking, but his journal and internal monologue switches between this and [[PurpleProse outbreaks of fluency]]. Still skips articles and pronouns in journal. This seems to emulate shorthand writing, a preferred method of writing in journals or reports when one wants to quickly take note of something, focusing on writing as little as possible while still being able to maintain a cohesive narrative. The overall point of this style of writing is putting practicality before presentablity, which seems to be Rorschach's mantra on how he lives out his day-to-day life in general.
--> "Stood in firelight sweltering. Blood spreading on chest like map of violent new continent."

* Surprisingly to modern audiences, [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] originally talked like this prior to the rising popularity of the Savage Hulk personality, speaking perfectly legible English but very gruffly. In most of his more intelligent personas, particularly the Green Scar, he often speaks like this.
* ComicBook/DraxTheDestroyer also spoke like this, at least during ''ComicBook/{{Annihilation}}'' and volume 2 of ''ComicBook/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy''. After being revived for volume 3, he began moving towards the [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy movie]]'s LiteralMinded interpretation.

* DependingOnTheWriter, [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Cassandra Cain]] might talk like this to emphasize her inexperience with language.

* Noël from ''Anime/SoundOfTheSky'' likes one word answers if possible. More talkative when drunk.

* Sport-otoko from ''Manga/PleaseTellMeGalkoChan'' always talks laconically.
* In ''Manga/Brave10'', Sasuke finds it easier to talk with animals than with people and tends to use HulkSpeak to communicate.
* The crux of ''Manga/AhAndMmAreAllSheSays''. Tanaka is the roommate and editor for a young hentai artist named Toda who is an ElectiveMute that usually speaks in moans rather than complete sentences due to being "slow at arranging her thoughts." Despite this, Tanaka can fully comprehend all of Toda's odd vocalizations and is able to serve as translator for rest of her colleagues.

* ''Webvideo/HonestTrailers'' did the trailer for ''Film/{{Moonfall}}'' like this to highlight the movie's stupidity ("China good. Halle Berry nice NASA lady, and also mom. Patrick Wilson sad NASA man, and also dad. [John Bradley] eats pills and says funny words.").

* Subverted in ''Film/DeathRace2000''. [[BadassDriver Frankenstein]] talks this way when being interviewed by the press, as befits a cold-blooded DarthVaderClone whose face has undergone extensive reconstructive surgery. However, it's all an act--Frankenstein is actually a LegacyCharacter and this trope is only to conceal this fact. When the mask comes off, he looks and talks like anyone else.

* Happens in ''VideoGame/{{Undertale}}'' if you decide to KillEmAll. Save point fluff changes to just "X left" and "Determination." New description text [[spoiler:from the Fallen Child]] is also terse. It's a marked changed from a neutral or pacifist playthrough where the prose is fairly loose and comical.

* The crux of ''Manga/AhAndMmAreAllSheSays''. Tanaka is the roommate and editor for a young hentai artist named Toda who is an ElectiveMute that usually speaks in moans rather than complete sentences due to being "slow at arranging her thoughts." Despite this, Tanaka can fully comprehend all her moans and is able to serve as translator for rest of her colleagues.

* Text messaging or Website/{{Twitter}} character limits tend to cause this.

[[folder: Anime And Manga ]]

[[folder: Comic Books ]]

* Surprisingly to modern audiences, [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] originally talked like this prior to the rising popularity of the Savage Hulk personality, speaking perfectly legible English but very gruffly. In most of his more intelligent personas, particularily the Green Scar, he often speaks like this.

[[folder: Fan Works]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* Subverted in ''Film/DeathRace2000''. [[BadassDriver Frankenstein]] talks this way when being interviewed by the press, as befits a cold-blooded DarthVaderClone whose face has undergone extensive reconstructive surgery. However it's all an act--Frankenstein is actually a LegacyCharacter and this trope is only to conceal this fact. When the mask comes off, he looks and talks like anyone else.

[[folder: Literature ]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

-->'''Xander:''' What is it? How do you get it? Who doesn't have it, and who decides who doesn't have it? What is the essence of 'cool'?
-->'''Oz:''' Not sure.
-->'''Xander:''' I mean, you yourself, Oz, are considered more or less 'cool'. Why is that?
-->'''Oz:''' Am I?
-->'''Xander:''' Is it about the talking? You know, the-the way you tend to express yourself in short, non-committal phrases?
-->'''Oz:''' [[IResembleThatRemark Could be]].

-->'''Angel:''' Oz.
-->'''Oz:''' Hey.
-->'''Angel:''' Nice surprise.
-->'''Oz:''' Thanks.
-->'''Angel:''' Staying long?
-->'''Oz:''' Few days.
-->'''Doyle:''' Are they always like this?
-->'''Oz:''' No, we're usually laconic.

-->'''Giles:''' How did the hunt go last night, Buffy?\\

-->'''Rory:''' You come over. You seem to have a very firm grasp of the English language. You put together several full sentences, even using a couple of words that contain two or more syllables, and then my mother appears and suddenly we need a thought bubble over your head to understand what you’re thinking. Can you tell me why that is?
-->'''Jess:''' The verbal thing comes and goes.

[[folder: Video Games ]]

[[folder: Web Comics ]]

[[folder: Web Original ]]

[[folder: Western Animation ]]

-->'''Comic Book Guy:''' Unable... To continue... Describing... Symptoms... *collapses*
* ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'' has Ollie Williams, the Channel 5 Weatherman who speaks in quick, loud, and short sentences.
-->'''Tom Tucker:''' And now here's Ollie Williams with the Blaccu-Weather forecast. Ollie?
-->'''Ollie:''' It's Gon Rain!
** His speech pattern even somehow runs in the family
-->'''Ollie:''' Christmas!
-->'''Ollie's Son:''' What's this?!
-->'''Ollie:''' Coal!
-->'''Ollie's Son:''' Why?!
-->'''Ollie:''' Bad!

-->'''[[WesternAnimation/TransformersAnimated Ginormous, homage-tastically recolored virtual Soundwave]]''': ESCAPE IS IMPOSSIBLE. AUTOBOTS INFERIOR, SOUNDWAVE SUPERIOR.

[[folder: Real Life ]]

* [[TheStoic Tabitha]] from ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero''.
* Witch Girl from ''LightNovel/{{Maoyu}}''.

* Senri from ''Manga/PlusAnima''.

* Uxie from ''FanFic/PokeWars''.

* Zueb Zan in the ''Literature/LegacyOfTheForce'' books does this.
* The Weaver from ''Literature/PerdidoStreetStation''.

-->'''Torvald:''' Hmph.
-->'''Crow:''' Yeah.
-->'''Torvald:''' Eh?
-->'''Crow:''' Iunno.
-->'''Torvald:''' Mmmm.
-->'''Crow:''' *sniffs*.
-->'''Torvald:''' Good talk.

-->'''Warden''': Tell me about the qunari.
-->'''Sten''': No.
* Rammus of ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' responds to any and all orders from his summoner (you, the player) with stuff like "Yup" and "Okay."
** In fact, Rammus has a whopping six lines. Only two make it as far as two syllables.

[[folder: Fanfiction ]]

* ''VideoGame/{Evolve}'' has the tracker [[ColdSniper Crow]] and cyborg [[HalfTheManHeUsedToBe Torvald]], neither of which are keen on conversation (particularly Crow). They even have a "conversation" to highlight it.

* On ''Series/GilmoreGirls'', Jess liked talking this way largely because he can't stand Stars Hollow's cutesy ways and to troll the adults. He's only seen speaking more eloquently when he's speaking to Rory or trolling Dean. Frequently [[Lampshaded lampshaded]] by him and everyone else.

* On ''Series/GilmoreGirls'', Jess liked talking this way largely because he can't stand Stars Hollow's cutesy ways and to troll the adults. He's only seen speaking more eloquently when he's speaking to Rory or trolling Dean.

* Witch Girl from ''LightNovel/MaoyuuMaouYuusha''.