I really like how you explained different ways to use subtext plus the times when it doesn’t work. I’ve found myself wondering when I can just explain something for simplicity’s sake. It sounds like it’s a balance, which I need to hone because I’ve lost readers in the past.
Subtle can go a long way, so trust the reader. Something else to consider is taking it to the body with physicality. The Emotional Thesaurus is a great resource to show a character's emotional state.
Great examples! I wanted to continue reading the story from the hospital. Hehe.
Sometimes the opposite happens tho. When there's too much subtext. Maybe it's a personal thing. I get annoyed and want to shout at the character to "Just say you love him already" or whatever the situation is.
You're too much, CK. The hospital one was sad for the girl. I wanted to see where the delusional wife was going next, after she realized the placemats weren't bringing her husband back. I imagine she goes off the rails at some point.
I totally hear what you're saying about the excessive delay in the obvious -- that's totally a movie thing where they're trying to build the romantic tension for that big scene when the guy runs to the airport.
But sometimes I'm yelling at the screen because there is NO REASON that character couldn't just say the thing they're holding back on at that very moment -- but we still have 45 minutes to kill so let's drag it out more...
I really like how you explained different ways to use subtext plus the times when it doesn’t work. I’ve found myself wondering when I can just explain something for simplicity’s sake. It sounds like it’s a balance, which I need to hone because I’ve lost readers in the past.
The article isn’t exhaustive my any means, but I’m glad it provided some context for you, Emily.
Subtle can go a long way, so trust the reader. Something else to consider is taking it to the body with physicality. The Emotional Thesaurus is a great resource to show a character's emotional state.
Great suggestion, Tim. I’ll have to check that out.
Loved this so much! Just passed it forward to two clients studying subtext!
Awww thanks, Emily! That was very nice of you. I hope it helps them.
Yes! 🙌
Good to see you, Kelsey :)
Great examples! I wanted to continue reading the story from the hospital. Hehe.
Sometimes the opposite happens tho. When there's too much subtext. Maybe it's a personal thing. I get annoyed and want to shout at the character to "Just say you love him already" or whatever the situation is.
You're too much, CK. The hospital one was sad for the girl. I wanted to see where the delusional wife was going next, after she realized the placemats weren't bringing her husband back. I imagine she goes off the rails at some point.
I totally hear what you're saying about the excessive delay in the obvious -- that's totally a movie thing where they're trying to build the romantic tension for that big scene when the guy runs to the airport.
But sometimes I'm yelling at the screen because there is NO REASON that character couldn't just say the thing they're holding back on at that very moment -- but we still have 45 minutes to kill so let's drag it out more...
Exactly! Can you say, Howard’s End? Which was a book first which I never read.
This is so helpful and just what I needed. Thank you so much!
Don't worry, AI will take care of that. And you think I'm being funny.
Right you are. Show or tell is always a creative balance.
well said! I wish there were more guides like this on how to show.
I guess that depends on what you want to show that you’d like some guidance on. Happy to hear suggestions.