“Show, don’t tell”
That is one of the most common pieces of advice given to writers, and creatives- for good reason. This is simply because when you show rather than tell, you allow your readers to experience the story through action, senses, thoughts, and feelings rather than through exposition. Truly, this approach will make your writing more engaging while enabling your readers to connect with your characters and immerse themselves in your world.
I loved this topic so much I did a dive to properly breakdown how you can master the art of showing rather than telling in your writing easily.
1. Use Sensory Details
One of the most effective ways to show rather than tell is by engaging the reader’s senses. Instead of telling the reader that the weather is hot, show it by describing how “the arid heat fell on her head, pushing her to break more than a sweat.”
Sensory details like these allow readers to feel the environment and emotions alongside your characters.
Example:
Telling: The room was scattered.
Showing: From a crashed bookshelf, books lay scattered across the floor, a mouldy plate was connected to the desk by a thin layer of dusty cobwebs that had wrapped around the desk, shelves and windows- it was obvious no one had been home in a while.
2. Depict Character Actions and Reactions
Actions speak louder than words, and that’s especially true in writing. Instead of telling readers that a character is angry, show it through their actions and body language.
How does their face change? What do they do with their hands? How do they interact with the environment around them?
Example:
Telling: She was nervous.
Showing: Her fingers drummed incessantly on the tabletop, her eyes darting to the door every few seconds, struggling to decide which leg stays above which knee as the clock ticked on.
By focusing on what characters do, you can convey their emotions and intentions more vividly.
3. Utilize Dialogue Effectively
Dialogue is a powerful tool for showing rather than telling. Through what characters say—and don’t say—you can reveal their personalities, relationships, and conflicts.
Subtext in dialogue can be particularly effective, where what’s implied is more telling than what’s spoken.
Example:
Telling: He was excited about the trip.
Showing: “I’ve packed and repacked my bag three times,” he said, his eyes gleaming. “I can’t wait to hit the road!”
Here, the dialogue not only conveys the character’s excitement but also adds a layer of personality and anticipation.
4. Show Internal Thoughts and Feelings
Instead of directly stating a character’s emotions, show their internal thoughts and feelings. This technique allows readers to step inside the character’s mind and experience their emotions firsthand.
Use inner monologue or free indirect discourse to convey these thoughts.
Example:
Telling: She was heartbroken.
Showing: She stared at the empty side of the bed, the silence of the room pressing down on her like a weight, her breathing getting heavier as she choked back on salty tears. How could something that felt so right go so wrong?
This method provides insight into the character’s emotional state without directly stating it.
5. Paint Vivid Imagery with Metaphors and Similes
Metaphors and similes are excellent tools for showing rather than telling. They allow you to draw vivid comparisons that evoke strong imagery and emotions in the reader’s mind.
Example:
Telling: The old man was very lonely.
Showing: He was like a tree in winter, stripped of its leaves, standing alone against the empty sky.
By comparing the old man to a tree in winter, the metaphor paints a picture of his loneliness that resonates more deeply with readers.
6. Create Atmosphere Through Setting
The setting can be used to show the tone and mood of a scene without explicitly stating it. Describe the environment in a way that reflects the emotional undercurrent of the moment.
Example:
Telling: The village was peaceful.
Showing: The village lay still beneath the soft glow of the morning sun; the only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and an overfed rooster crowing to no one in particular.
Here, the peaceful atmosphere is conveyed through the setting rather than being directly stated.
7. Focus on Specificity
Being specific in your descriptions can transform generic statements into powerful moments of showing. Focus on details that stand out and convey more than just a surface-level observation.
Example:
Telling: The cake was delicious.
Showing: The rich chocolate melted on her tongue, the sweetness lingering just long enough to make her reach for another bite.
Specific details like taste and texture create a more vivid experience for the reader.
8. Trust Your Readers
Showing rather than telling requires trusting your readers to pick up on the nuances of your writing. You don’t need to spell everything out; instead, give readers the space to interpret and infer the deeper meaning behind your words.
Example:
Telling: He was guilty.
Showing: He avoided her gaze, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt as he mumbled an apology.
The reader can infer the character’s guilt from his body language and actions without needing it to be explicitly stated.
So yeah, mastering the art of showing rather than telling can elevate your writing, making it more engaging and immersive. Remember, by using sensory details, depicting actions, utilizing dialogue, and trusting your readers, you can create vivid scenes that draw readers into your world.
The goal is to make your readers feel like they are experiencing the story alongside your characters, not just being told what happens. With practice and attention to detail, you can bring your stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with your audience.
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