As an aspiring writer, you’ve likely heard the phrase “show, don’t tell” more times than you can count. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it so important in fiction writing?
At its core, “show, don’t tell” is a simple principle: instead of describing a character’s emotions, thoughts, or actions directly, a writer should use descriptive language and sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. By doing so, the reader is able to experience the story as if they were a part of it, rather than being told what’s happening.
To understand why this principle is so important, let’s take a closer look at how it works in practice.
Imagine you’re reading a novel and the author writes, “Samantha was sad.” This sentence tells you how Samantha is feeling, but it doesn’t give you any context or detail about why she’s sad or how she’s expressing it. As a reader, you may find yourself disconnected from the character and the story.
Now, imagine instead that the author writes, “Samantha slumped onto the couch, her shoulders sagging as tears rolled down her cheeks. She stared blankly at the wall, her mind consumed with the memory of her grandmother’s funeral earlier that day.” This description not only tells you that Samantha is sad, but it also shows you how she’s expressing her sadness and gives you a glimpse into why she’s feeling that way. As a reader, you’re able to empathize with Samantha and understand her emotional state on a deeper level.
This is the power of “show, don’t tell” in action. By using descriptive language and sensory details, a writer can create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.
So how can you apply this principle in your own writing? Here are a few tips:
1. Use sensory details to set the scene.
When you’re describing a setting or a character’s actions, try to incorporate sensory details that will help the reader visualize what’s happening. For example, instead of simply writing, “The room was dark,” you could write, “The room was so dark that she had to feel her way along the wall to find the light switch.”
2. Use dialogue to reveal character.
Instead of describing a character’s personality or backstory directly, try to reveal it through their dialogue and actions. For example, instead of writing, “Sarah was a kind person,” you could show Sarah performing a small act of kindness, like holding the door open for someone, or saying something compassionate to a friend who’s going through a tough time.
3. Show emotions through physical reactions.
Instead of simply stating how a character is feeling, try to show it through their physical reactions. For example, instead of writing, “Tom was angry,” you could describe Tom clenching his fists, his face turning red, and his breathing becoming more rapid as he confronted someone who had wronged him.
4. Use descriptive language to create atmosphere.
When you’re setting a scene, try to use descriptive language that will help create a specific atmosphere or mood. For example, instead of writing, “It was a rainy day,” you could write, “The rain pelted against the windows, creating a steady drumbeat that filled the room with a sense of melancholy.”
By following these tips, you can begin to incorporate the “show, don’t tell” principle into your own writing and create a more immersive and engaging experience for your readers.
Of course, like any writing principle, “show, don’t tell” is not a hard and fast rule. There are times when telling is necessary, such as when you need to convey information quickly or when a character’s thoughts and emotions are important to the story but can’t be easily shown through their actions or dialogue. It’s all about finding the right balance between showing and telling to create a compelling and engaging story.
Ultimately, the key is to use showing and telling in a way that serves the story and engages the reader. If you’re not sure whether to show or tell a particular detail, ask yourself: does this detail contribute to the overall mood, tone, or theme of the story? Does it help move the plot forward or reveal something important about the characters? If the answer is yes, then it’s probably worth showing. If not, then telling may be the more efficient option.
