Banter is a form of clever and playful conversation that is often found in books. It adds humor and wit to a story, and can make dialogue between characters more engaging and entertaining. Here are ten witty snippets of banter from various books that showcase the authors’ clever use of language and humor.

1. “Well, wolves, no matter how friendly, have sharp teeth.” – Patricia Briggs, Cry Wolf

2. “I don’t want to be married just to be married. I can’t think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can’t talk to, or worse, someone I can’t be silent with.” – Mary Ann Shaffer, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

3. “I’m not sure what I’ll do, but— well, I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.” – F. Scott Fitgerald, The Great Gatsby

4. “Out of all the ridiculous nonsense, the gumption! The impudence!” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

5. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

6. “I’m nobody’s lapdog, you know. I’ve got more brilliance in my words and easier charm in my manner than half the dukes in London.” – Tessa Dare, A Week to Be Wicked

7. “‘And Mozart!’ he said. ‘And Molière! And…’ He faltered for a second, then triumphantly: ‘And meringues!’” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

8. “Remember that you are a wolf. And you cannot be caged.” – Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Wings and Fury

9. “There are only three things to be done with a woman. You can love her, suffer for her, or turn her into literature.” – Lawrence Durrell, Justine

10. “I’d rather be afraid, but out of control, than in control but with no fear at all.” – Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

These ten witty snippets of banter from books show the power of language to entertain and engage readers. Banter adds texture to dialogue, and can reveal character traits and relationships in a subtle and entertaining way. Authors who master the art of banter can create memorable and dynamic conversations that stay with readers long after they have finished the book.