Dashes merely indicate a short pause, not fear. If you're writing for a character that stutters, you'd use a dash even regardless of his emotion. Other than that I agree with what you've said.
On the subject of grammar:
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Grammar does not have the same affect in dialogue that it has in the narrative.
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Should be "effect".
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I too made the mistake of not taking my time and writing sloppily. You will not get the reaction you want from the populous
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Should be "populace". Populous is an adjective indicating a large population.
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The only reason I use cannon characters in my fan fic is because:
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The word you're thinking of is "canon". A cannon is... well, I don't think I have to explain this one XD