Show Don't Tell

         

               


Definitions From Off The Internet



 "Show, don't tell is a technique used in various kinds of texts to allow the reader to experience the story through action, words, thoughts, senses, and feelings rather than through the author's exposition, summarization, and description. It avoids adjectives describing the author's analysis, but instead describes the scene in such a way that the reader can draw his or her own conclusions. The technique applies equally to nonfiction and all forms of fiction, literature including haiku and Imagism"

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Here's another definition a bit clearer

"‘Show, don’t tell’ is a technique authors use to add drama to a novel. Rather than telling readers what’s happening, authors use this technique to show drama unfold on the page. ‘Telling’ is factual and avoids detail; while ‘showing,’ is detailed and places the human subject at the center of the drama."




Here's a really good example I ran across on the internet that may help you more from a fellow writer!


"  The Difference Between Showing vs. Telling
When you tell rather than show, you simply inform your reader of information rather than allowing him to deduce anything.

You’re supplying information by simply stating it. You might report that a character is “tall,” or “angry,” or “cold,” or “tired.”  That's Telling! 

"Showing would paint a picture the reader could see in her mind’s eye.

If your character is tall, your reader can deduce that because you mention others looking up when they talk with him. Or he has to duck to get through a door. Or when posing for a photo, he has to bend his knees to keep his head in proximity of others."

This Video  explains it in a very cute way for all to understand!!

Remember Don't show your reader everything, just enough to keep them reading the story.  It's good to have a mixture of the two!


Extra Note here***  Emotions are a big part of show & tell.  Remember your characters are not stick figures, they are people who bleed, hurt, cry, get angry,

are often sad, frustrated, depressed.  They too can be surprised, and can be happy as well. These emotions must be displayed to your reader often through a mixture of show and tell.  You must make your reader feel what your character is feeling as if they were there with them through it all!!