"Show, don't tell" is perhaps the most fundamental principle of fiction writing, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. This technique transforms passive exposition into active, engaging scenes that allow readers to experience your story rather than simply being informed about it.
Understanding Show vs. Tell
Telling provides information directly to the reader. Showing reveals information through action, dialogue, sensory details, and character behavior. The goal isn't to eliminate all telling—it's to use showing for the moments that matter most.
❌ Telling
"Sarah was nervous about the job interview."
✅ Showing
"Sarah's palms left damp prints on the leather portfolio as she checked her phone for the third time in five minutes."
Advanced Showing Techniques
1. Sensory Immersion
Engage all five senses to create vivid scenes. Don't just describe what characters see— include sounds, smells, textures, and tastes that bring your world to life.
2. Body Language and Micro-expressions
Characters' physical reactions often reveal more than their words. A tightened jaw, fidgeting hands, or avoided eye contact can convey volumes about internal state.
3. Environmental Reflection
Use setting and objects to reflect character emotions. A cluttered room might show a character's mental state, while focus on specific details can reveal what's important to them.
When to Tell Instead of Show
Strategic telling serves important purposes:
- Transitions: Quick summaries to move between important scenes
- Backstory: Efficient delivery of necessary historical information
- Pacing: Speeding up less critical moments to maintain momentum
- Setup: Establishing context before diving into shown scenes
The Dialogue-Action-Thought Triangle
Master the interplay between what characters say, do, and think. The most powerful showing occurs when these three elements work together, sometimes contradicting each other to create depth and realism.
💡 Pro Tip
Read your scenes aloud and highlight every instance of telling. Then challenge yourself to convert the most important moments into showing. Use Cordecho's AI to help identify where your writing leans too heavily on exposition and suggest more dynamic alternatives.
Common Show vs. Tell Pitfalls
Avoid over-showing mundane details, using clichéd physical reactions, or creating scenes so subtle that readers miss the point. The key is finding the right balance for your story and genre.