I've struggled with this one without knowing and have been guilty of too much telling.
“Show, don’t tell” is one of the oldest pieces of writing advice, but what does it mean? At its core, it encourages readers to experience the story through the characters’ actions, words, and emotions instead of simply being told what to think.
This approach makes the difference between feeling immersed in the narrative and feeling as though you’re merely reading a summary.
Why Showing Matters
When you show rather than tell, you allow readers to draw their own conclusions, which makes the story more engaging and believable. Consider F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Instead of explicitly stating that Gatsby is desperate to recapture the past, Fitzgerald illustrates it through Gatsby’s extravagant parties, his fervent hope for Daisy’s approval, and his obsession with the green light. The result is a deeper, more haunting portrayal of his yearning.
Alternatively, consider Zadie Smith’s White Teeth. Smith doesn’t merely inform us that Archie and Samad are lifelong friends; she illustrates it through their bickering, shared memories, and their intuitive understanding of each other’s quirks without needing explicit explanations. This technique enables the reader to experience the depth of their bond rather than being told it exists.
4 Techniques for Showing (and not telling)
1. Use sensory details: Instead of saying, “It was a cold day,” describe how the frost crunched underfoot and how breath hung in the air like smoke.
2. Rely on body language: A character’s trembling hands, a glance away, or a clenched jaw can convey nerves, anger, or fear more effectively than simply stating it.
3. Employ dialogue: Let characters reveal themselves through what they say—and what they don’t. A cutting remark, a nervous laugh, or an unexpected pause can speak volumes.
4. Action over explanation: If your character is brave, show them stepping into danger. If they’re kind, show them helping someone in need. Actions resonate far more than a sentence like “He was brave.”
Balancing Show and Tell
While showing is generally more robust, there are occasions when telling is appropriate. At times, it is necessary to move the plot forward swiftly or to convey straightforward information without slowing the pace. The key is to use telling sparingly and deliberately—just enough to keep the reader informed but not so much that it dampens the narrative’s vitality.
By focusing on showing, you invite your readers to become active participants in the story. You’re not merely presenting them with facts; you’re providing them with an experience. That is what makes storytelling so captivating.
How to Avoid Telling Too Much
It’s tempting to “tell” when you’re starting, often because you want to ensure the reader understands your character’s motivations or the story’s direction. However, if you find yourself frequently writing sentences like “She was sad” or “He felt angry,” consider these quick fixes:
First, revisit your draft and highlight any direct statements about emotions or personality traits. Then, challenge yourself to rewrite each one with a small action or snippet of dialogue that conveys the same idea.
Instead of “She was sad,” try depicting her sitting alone at the table, staring into her cold tea. Another technique is to close your eyes and imagine the scene as though it were unfolding in a film. What would the characters do, how would they move, and what might they say? Write that down, and you’ll often discover that you’re naturally “showing” rather than “telling.” With a bit of practice, these minor adjustments can create a significant impact.
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