You will have no doubt heard of the expression ‘show, don’t tell.’
It’s a fundamental principle in fiction writing that will lift your work off the pages and captivate your readers. This technique involves creating vivid, sensory experiences for readers rather than simply stating facts.
Think Darth Vader.
This character is clearly a baddie. Yet when we first meet him, he doesn’t announce that he’s a baddie. He simply walks into shot wearing a big black suit, lifting a guy up by his head and throwing him against the wall.
And while this is a movie example of the ‘show, don’t tell’, professional writers use it to bring scenes to life and immerse their audiences in their fictional worlds.
Here’s how you can do the same.
One of the most effective ways to show rather than tell is by incorporating rich sensory details. Instead of stating that a character is cold, describe the goosebumps on their skin, the chattering of their teeth, or the way they pull their coat tighter around themselves. These details allow readers to experience the scene alongside your characters, creating a more engaging and memorable narrative.
When it comes to character emotions and personalities, actions often convey more than direct statements. Rather than telling readers that a character is nervous, show them fidgeting with their clothes, avoiding eye contact, or stammering their words.
This approach not only makes your characters more believable but also gives readers the satisfaction of interpreting the scene for themselves.
A well-crafted setting can become a character in its own right, influencing the mood and actions of your protagonists. Instead of simply describing a location, show how characters interact with their environment. For example, rather than stating that a forest is eerie, you might write about the way shadows dance between gnarled tree trunks or how an unseen creature rustles in the underbrush, sending shivers down your character's spine.
Effective dialogue can reveal character traits, emotions, and relationships without the need for explicit exposition. Pay attention to the words your characters choose, their tone, and what they leave unsaid. A character who speaks in short, clipped sentences might be anxious or impatient, while one who uses flowery language could be trying to impress or deceive.
One of the challenges of showing rather than telling is finding the balance between providing enough information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Instead of stating outright that two characters are in love, you might show lingering glances, ‘accidental’ touches, or the way they gravitate towards each other in a crowded room. This subtle approach engages readers more deeply, as they become active participants in interpreting the story.
When describing a new setting or situation, resist the urge to pause the narrative for a lengthy description. Instead, reveal the environment through your characters' actions and interactions. For instance, rather than describing Times Square in detail, you might show a character dodging street performers, wincing at the glare of neon signs, or struggling to hail a cab amidst the chaos.
Generic descriptions often fall flat, while specific, unexpected details can bring a scene to life. Instead of saying a room is messy, describe the tower of unwashed coffee mugs on the desk, the trail of discarded clothing leading to the bathroom, or the way old newspapers crinkle underfoot. These precise details not only create a vivid image but can also reveal information about the characters who inhabit the space.
Symbolism and metaphor can be powerful tools for showing complex emotions or themes without resorting to direct statements. A character's internal struggle might be reflected in a stormy sky, while a blooming flower could symbolize hope or new beginnings. These literary devices add depth and nuance to your writing, inviting readers to engage more deeply with the text.
Mastering the art of showing rather than telling takes time and practise. As you write, challenge yourself to replace abstract statements with concrete details and actions. During the revision process, look for opportunities to transform ‘telling’ sentences into ‘showing’ ones. The more you write, the better you will become at it.