Show, don't tell
Show, don't tell (German: "Show, don't tell") is a term often used in writing guides . He urges writers to use plot and dialogue rather than describing a particular subject from the narrator's point of view . This is to keep the interest of the reader, who is used to cinematic narrative structures, awake. The role of the narrator is also pushed into the background - a typical requirement for modern narrative literature . This should make it easier for the reader to identify with the characters.
Examples
When a writer follows the rule of show, don't tell , he reveals the character of a literary figure primarily through his verbal and non-verbal actions. Literary "showing" can be done in different ways:
- through scenic writing
- by describing a character's actions
- by playing back dialogue
- through the use of all five senses
Instead of reporting ...
“Frau Kleinschmidt was a gossip aunt.
She always found something she could gossip on. "
... the author should show :
“She opened a small gap between the leaves of the blind so that she could see the VW that was pulling up in the driveway. She blinked to get a better look at the muscular man who had got out of the car and headed for the front door. When he rang the doorbell, Ms. Kleinschmidt ran to the phone: 'Charlotte, you won't believe what I've just seen!' "
Exceptions
Since showing takes up more space, telling can cover longer time intervals in a narrative context. For example, scene transitions are often explained and not shown.
Web links
- Bringing Your Characters to Life: Show, Do not Tell (Engl.)
- Flogging the Quill: How to show, when to tell (Eng., Further examples from a literary blog)
- Thought Verbs by Chuck Palahniuk (English, with examples)