When it comes to writing, one of the most commonly cited pieces of advice is “show, don’t tell.” But what does that mean, exactly? And why is it so important? In this article, we’ll explore the art of showing rather than telling in writing, and how it can elevate your writing to the next level.

What does “show, don’t tell” mean?
“Show, don’t tell” is a piece of writing advice that encourages writers to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to immerse the reader in the story, rather than simply telling them what’s happening. When you show something in writing, you’re painting a picture with words, allowing the reader to experience the story for themselves. When you tell something in writing, you’re simply relaying information, without engaging the reader’s imagination.

Let’s look at an example. Say you’re writing a story about a character who is feeling sad. If you were to simply tell the reader that the character is sad, that’s not very engaging. But if you were to show the character’s sadness, you might describe the way their shoulders droop, the tears in their eyes, the way they’re staring off into the distance. By showing rather than telling, you’re allowing the reader to feel the sadness alongside the character, rather than just being told about it.

Why is “show, don’t tell” important?
When you show rather than tell in writing, you’re creating a more immersive experience for the reader. Instead of simply telling them what’s happening, you’re allowing them to experience the story for themselves, engaging their imagination and making them feel more connected to the characters and events.

Showing rather than telling also allows you to create more complex and nuanced characters. Instead of simply telling the reader that a character is brave or kind or clever, you can show those qualities in action, allowing the reader to come to those conclusions on their own. This creates a deeper understanding of the characters and a more meaningful reading experience.

Tips for showing rather than telling
Now that we understand the importance of showing rather than telling in writing, let’s look at some tips for how to do it effectively.

  • Use descriptive language
    One of the most important aspects of showing rather than telling is using descriptive language to paint a picture for the reader. Instead of simply saying that something is happening, use sensory details to bring the scene to life. Describe what the character sees, hears, smells, tastes, and feels, and use descriptive adjectives and adverbs to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
  • Use dialogue
    Dialogue is a powerful tool for showing rather than telling in writing. When characters speak, they reveal a lot about themselves and their motivations, allowing the reader to infer things about them without being told directly. Use dialogue to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension and conflict.
  • Use action
    Actions speak louder than words, as the saying goes. In writing, this means that you can show a lot about a character or situation by describing what’s happening, rather than simply telling the reader about it. Use action to show character traits, advance the plot, and create tension and conflict.
  • Use point of view
    The point of view you choose for your story can have a big impact on how effectively you’re able to show rather than tell. First person and third person limited points of view allow you to get inside the character’s head and show the story from their perspective, allowing the reader to experience the story alongside them. Third person omniscient point of view can be more challenging to use for showing rather than telling, as it can create distance between the reader and the characters.
  • Use subtext
    Subtext is the underlying meaning or theme beneath the surface of the text. It’s what’s left unsaid, but implied. Using subtext in your writing can be a powerful way to show rather than tell, as it allows the reader to infer things about the characters and situation without being told directly. This can create a more nuanced and engaging reading experience.
  • Use metaphor and symbolism
    Metaphors and symbolism can be powerful tools for showing rather than telling in writing. By using comparisons and symbols, you can create a deeper understanding of the characters and events, and convey complex ideas and emotions in a more engaging way.
  • Use pacing
    The pacing of your story can also have a big impact on how effectively you’re able to show rather than tell. By varying the pace of the story, you can create moments of tension and release, allowing the reader to experience the events for themselves rather than simply being told what’s happening.

Examples of showing rather than telling

Let’s look at some examples of showing rather than telling in writing.

Example 1: Instead of telling the reader that a character is angry, show their anger through their actions and dialogue. They might slam a door, grit their teeth, or shout at another character.

Example 2: Instead of telling the reader that a character is brave, show their bravery through their actions. They might risk their own safety to help someone else, or stand up to a bully.

Example 3: Instead of telling the reader that a setting is creepy, show its creepiness through descriptive language. You might describe the way the shadows twist and writhe, the way the air is thick with a sense of foreboding, or the way the silence is broken only by the sound of footsteps.

I”n essence, “Show, don’t tell” is a powerful piece of writing advice that can elevate your writing to the next level. By using descriptive language, dialogue, action, point of view, subtext, metaphor, symbolism, and pacing, you can create a more immersive and engaging reading experience for your audience. Remember, the key is to allow the reader to experience the story for themselves, rather than simply being told what’s happening. By mastering the art of showing rather than telling, you can become a more effective and powerful writer.