What is the term for a conversation between characters in a literary work?

The term for a conversation between characters in a literary work is "dialogue." Dialogue plays a crucial role in storytelling as it reveals the characters' thoughts, feelings, and relationships while also advancing the plot. Through dialogue, authors can convey important information and develop characters in a realistic manner, making the narrative more engaging for readers. This interaction between characters allows readers to understand their motivations and conflicts, providing depth to the story.

In contrast, a monologue refers to a lengthy speech by one character, typically without any dialogue from others, focusing solely on their thoughts or feelings. Exposition is the background information provided in a story that sets the stage but does not involve character conversation. Interaction, while related to how characters engage with each other, is not specifically a literary term for dialogue between them.