Writers

Show, Don’t Tell: A Beginner’s Guide

By Tami Nantz

“A writer need not be bound by flat statement like “It was a rough sea,” when verbs like tumble and roil and seethe wait to spill from her pen.”

― Rebecca McClanahan, Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively

“Show, don’t tell” is the golden rule of storytelling.

Get it right, and you’ll have readers eagerly coming back for more. Fail to strike the right balance, and your story will feel overly descriptive, slow-paced, and detached.

In a word…boring.

But what’s the difference? Is it really necessary to show instead of tell? Is telling ever acceptable?

Think of your writing as a beautiful painting. Telling is akin to describing every vibrant color and shape in great detail as if the reader can’t imagine or understand the story without it.

Showing is inviting your audience to let their imagination run wild and feel the story organically unfold. Rather than spoon feeding them, engage their senses and emotions. Immerse them in the experience. They’ll love you for it!

Tips for Showing

Craft Engaging Scenes

Instead of saying your character is angry, show his clenched fists, the red flush creeping up his neck, or the venom in her words. Paint a vivid picture that pulls your readers into the heart of your story. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining,” wrote author and playwright Anton Chekhov, “show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

Examples:

Telling: It was a cold, dark night.
Showing: The wind howled, making Sarah shiver as she wrapped her coat tighter. The streets were empty, lit only by dim lamplight.

Telling: The forest was scary.
Showing: As dusk fell, the forest grew silent, save for the whisper of leaves underfoot. Anna couldn’t shake the distinct feeling of being watched.

Reveal Your Characters Through Their Actions

You’ve no doubt heard the adage “actions speak louder than words” – let your characters’ actions speak volumes. Instead of telling readers your protagonist is brave, show them charging into battle despite trembling hands or standing up to injustice with a steady voice.

Examples:

Telling: She was angry.
Showing: Fists clenched, she slammed the door with a loud bang.

Telling: She had a troubled past.
Showing: Her laughter never seemed to reach her eyes. It always faltered at the edges, as if she might be trying to conceal the scars of old wounds. Behind her smile lay a depth of sorrow that whispered of secrets too painful to share.

Telling: He was nervous.
Showing: He tapped his foot rapidly, hands trembling, as he tried to light his cigarette. Each inhale was shallow, and he avoided meeting anyone’s gaze. His eyes darted around the room.

Use Dialogue as a Window to the Soul

Great dialogue isn’t just what your characters say; it’s what they don’t say. Let your subtext simmer beneath the surface, revealing hidden fears, desires, and motivations. Sometimes, it’s what’s not said that speaks loudest.

Examples:

Tom and Sarah are having dinner at a fancy restaurant. Tom’s been distant lately, and after almost thirty years of marriage, Sarah can read him like a book. He’s hiding something. Instead of telling your readers, let the couple show them.

Sarah: “I love this place! Thanks for bringing me here, Tom.”
Tom: “Yeah…it’s nice.”
Sarah: “You feeling okay? You’re not yourself tonight.”
Tom: “I’m fine. Just tired.”
Sarah: “You’ve been working a lot lately. Everything okay at the office?”
Tom: “Yeah, everything’s fine.”
Sarah: “Okay…if you say so.”

John is a generous person. Rather than just saying so, let him demonstrate it through his actions.

“Here, take my coat,” John said, shrugging off his jacket despite the chill. “You look like you need it more than I do.”

When Telling Is Acceptable

Obviously, sometimes there’s information that just needs to be shared, and the best way to do it is to say what you mean. Just do it sparingly and strategically.

Here are a few examples of instances where it’s useful:

1

Transitional or Summary Passages: In some cases, summarizing events or transitions between scenes can help maintain pacing and avoid unnecessary detail. For example, if a significant amount of time passes between two scenes without much action, a brief summary can bridge the gap effectively.

2

Balancing Pace: While showing is crucial for immersing readers in key moments, telling can help control the pacing of your narrative. Rapidly changing scenes or moments of high tension may benefit from concise telling to maintain momentum.

3

Establishing Context: In complex worlds or situations unfamiliar to readers, telling can efficiently provide essential background information without bogging down the story. This approach can help prevent confusion and ensure readers understand crucial details.

4

Internal Reflection or Thought: While showing external actions and emotions is generally more engaging, there are times when telling can effectively convey a character’s internal thoughts or reflections, especially for introspective moments or character development.

Ultimately, the key is to use telling wisely, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from your reader’s experience. When used alongside skillful showing, telling can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.

“Show, don’t tell” isn’t just a mantra for writers; it’s a philosophy that breathes life into your storytelling.

So, pick up your brush and paint your narrative with passion and precision! Let your words leap off the page, igniting imaginations and leaving a lasting impression on readers’ hearts and minds.

That’ll keep ‘em coming back for more!

Writers

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