Hello everyone! Nice to see you all again 
I’m sure we’ve all heard the expression when we write–show, don’t tell.
But what does that mean?
As a writer, it’s been difficult for me to figure out what is showing and what is telling.
Especially since most examples are either broad, too unclear, or too exaggerated. And when the proper time for either to be used?
FEAR NOT >:D
I’m here as a writer to help you out!
Let’s start off with the difference between the two, shall we?
Showing and telling are both tools that can be well done when utilized properly in writing.
What is showing?
Showing is simply telling something as is. For example (I will be using characters from various media so uh)–
The boy looked sad.
Now that’s a basic ahh example, so you’re probably wondering, “How could this possibly be used in quality writing?”
Well, here’s a better example for you–this is an example of stuff you’re far more likely to see.
A hint of fear flicked across Zelkov’s face, before shifting back into a neutral expression.
Okay, that was better. So what’s telling?
Telling is not stating the emotion or condition outright. It’s trying to convey through description.
Let’s take the sentence above, but instead rewrite it using telling.
Zelkov’s eyes widened as he tensed, before his eyes narrowed again and his mouth pressed into a tight line.
See? That was better!
Telling gives you more freedom, and more room to express exactly how a character is feeling.
In the showing example, we see that Zelkov just seems neutral. The fear is open to interpretation.
However, in the telling example, we notice a couple of things.
- Zelkov seems surprised that something has happened, yet also scared.
- Zelkov’s emotion at the end can be tightly concealed anger or an attempt at a neutral expression.
- There’s not much to add in the showing example. However, in the telling example, we can make Zelkov ball his fists, or cross his arms, or make him sneer. All of which greatly change the meaning of the sentence.
This is the reason that showing is more prominent in advanced writing. So much more freedom, and so much more told!
However, with all of this, how can you choose to show or to tell? When do you use either?
Showing is better for short scenes, when the character has less of a perspective on what they feel or what someone else feels.
Examples:
I was just…I don’t know, angry.
Etie couldn’t place exactly what was wrong, but Panette looked…sick.
The first one works well in a situation when a character is struggling with their own emotions, and can’t pinpoint how they feel exactly. The second one works when a character has limited knowledge on something but isn’t completely stupid–so they know what’s happening, or at least that something’s up.
Why wouldn’t you use telling in the first example? Because the character can’t really pinpoint what’s happening to them, so they wouldn’t be paying attention to how they were stanced, or offer a detailed description.
Telling is better for more dramatic scenes, when you really want to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. It’s also good for complex scenes, which can’t be summarized quickly.
Examples:
Zelkov’s heart twisted as the boy whimpered, eyes wide as he pressed against the wall. He clawed at the wall, breaths coming in short gasps, his gaze never leaving the assassin’s eyes.
Diamant stepped forward, teeth bared and fists clenched. His mouth opened as he pointed a finger directly at Veyle, then let the hand become a fist as he closed it again, trembling fiercely.
Notice how the first is more effective and emotional than, The boy’s fear was palpable.
All in all, showing and telling can both be used well–just don’t overdo it and keep the mood of your work in mind!
Thank you and keep writing!
-Solus