Mastering the Art of Show, Don't Tell

Patrick White February 26, 2025

Have you ever read a story that felt flat, like a dry textbook recounting events instead of immersing you in a vibrant world? The culprit is often the dreaded “tell, don’t show” trap.

As writers, we yearn to transport our readers, to make them feel the chill of a winter storm, the sting of betrayal, or the exhilaration of victory. But simply telling the reader about these things can leave them feeling distant and unengaged. As writers, our ultimate goal is to transcend the limitations of language and transport our readers into the vivid tapestry of our narratives. We yearn to make them feel the biting chill of a winter storm as it whips through their bones, the searing sting of betrayal as it shatters their trust, or the exhilarating rush of victory as it surges through their veins. However, simply telling the reader about these experiences can leave them feeling emotionally distant and unengaged.

To truly captivate our audience, we must immerse them in the sensory details of our stories. We must paint with words, evoking not just the sights, but also the sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of our fictional worlds. We must show, not tell, allowing our readers to experience the narrative firsthand through the actions, thoughts, and emotions of our characters. By employing vivid imagery, compelling dialogue, and evocative descriptions, we can bridge the gap between the written word and the reader’s imagination, forging a connection that transcends the boundaries of the page.

That’s where the magic of “show, don’t tell” comes in. It’s the secret weapon that transforms a mundane narrative into a captivating experience.

What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Really Mean?

At its core, “show, don’t tell” is about using vivid language, sensory details, and action to reveal information to the reader, rather than explicitly stating it.

Telling: “John was angry.”

Showing: “John’s face flushed crimson, his veins throbbing in his neck. He slammed his fist on the table, rattling the plates.”

See the difference? The second example paints a picture, allowing the reader to experience John’s anger rather than simply being told about it.

Why is “Show, Don’t Tell” So Important?

This technique is crucial for several reasons:

Immersion: It pulls the reader deep into the story, making them feel like they’re experiencing the events alongside the characters.
Engagement: It keeps readers active, encouraging them to interpret the information and draw their own conclusions.
Emotion: It evokes stronger emotional responses by allowing readers to connect with the characters on a visceral level.
Believability: It creates a more realistic and believable world by showing the characters’ actions and reactions.
Pacing: “Showing” often takes more words than “telling,” which can help control the pace and flow of your narrative. Slowing down to show a crucial moment can heighten tension, while quick “tells” can keep the story moving during less critical scenes.

How to Master the Art of Showing:

Engage the Senses: Use vivid descriptions that appeal to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Instead of saying “the room was messy,” describe the overflowing laundry basket, the dust bunnies dancing in the sunlight, and the stale smell of pizza lingering in the air.
Focus on Action: Let your characters’ actions speak louder than words. Instead of saying “Sarah was nervous,” show her fidgeting with her necklace, avoiding eye contact, and speaking in a shaky voice.
Use Dialogue Effectively: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for showing. Instead of saying “Mark was a liar,” let another character accuse him of dishonesty or reveal his lies through his own words.
Employ Figurative Language: Metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech can add depth and nuance to your writing. Instead of saying “the sunset was beautiful,” describe it as “a fiery canvas painted across the sky.”
Internal Monologue (Sparingly): While showing is generally preferred, carefully chosen internal thoughts can provide insights into a character’s motivations and feelings. However, be cautious not to overuse internal monologue, as it can pull the reader out of the “showing” experience.
Body Language: Nonverbal cues are a goldmine for showing. Describe a character’s posture, facial expressions, and gestures to reveal their emotional state or intentions. A slumped posture can convey defeat, while a raised eyebrow might suggest skepticism.
Setting the Scene: The environment can be a powerful tool for showing. Instead of saying “it was a spooky night,” describe the howling wind, the creaking branches, and the ominous shadows stretching across the path.

Examples of “Show, Don’t Tell” in Action:

Let’s look at some examples from literature:

Telling: “The old man was wise.”

Showing: (From Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”) “Everything about him was old except his eyes, and they were the same color as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated.”

Telling: “The woman was sad.”

Showing: (From J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”) “She looked as though she had been crying for days. Her eyes were puffy and red, and her face was stained with tear tracks.”

Telling: “The city was crowded.”

Showing: (From Charles Dickens’s “Oliver Twist”) “A dirtier or more wretched place he had never seen. The streets were very narrow and muddy, and the air was impregnated with filthy odours.”

A Book That Masters “Show, Don’t Tell”:

One book that exemplifies the power of “show, don’t tell” is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.

In “The Name of the Wind,” Patrick Rothfuss weaves a captivating tale of Kvothe, a legendary figure recounting his extraordinary life. Through Kvothe’s own words, we witness his journey from a childhood filled with music and magic to his perilous adventures as a young man. Rothfuss masterfully employs “show, don’t tell” to immerse us in Kvothe’s world.

We see Kvothe’s innate musical talent through his mesmerizing performances, feel the thrill of his magical exploits as he manipulates the elements, and experience the dangers he faces as he navigates the treacherous world of Temerant. Rothfuss doesn’t simply tell us Kvothe is a skilled musician, a powerful magician, or a cunning survivor; he shows us through vivid scenes, engaging dialogue, and evocative prose.

For writers and story enthusiasts, “The Name of the Wind” offers a masterclass in storytelling. Rothfuss’s skillful use of “show, don’t tell” creates a rich and immersive reading experience, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the power of this essential writing technique.

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Take Your Writing to the Next Level

Mastering “show, don’t tell” is an ongoing journey, but with practice and attention to detail, you can transform your writing from simple narration to a truly immersive experience. So, embrace the power of showing, and watch your stories come alive!

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