Show, Don't Tell: Mastering the Art of Descriptive Writing in Storytelling

The art of storytelling stands on the shoulders of descriptive writing, where showing (demonstrating) takes precedence over merely telling (narrating events). When crafting a narrative, the balance between the two is crucial for engaging readers in a vivid and immersive experience.

Understanding Show versus Tell

In its simplest form, telling is explaining or narrating something, while showing involves providing a tangible, visual, or experiential representation that aligns with what is being narrated.

Show vs. Tell in Action

Instead of stating that the weather was cold, describe how the main character's breath froze on his mustache, changing its color to white. Similarly, instead of saying a character was nervous, depict the character sitting up quickly and adjusting their glasses when others approach them. These descriptions not only paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind but make them feel more involved in the story.

Practical Examples of Show vs. Tell

Showing the Effect of Cold Weather

Consider the following example:

Telling: The weather was cold. Showing: His breath froze on his mustache, turning it white. After returning home, he took off his shoes and propped his feet up by the pot-bellied stove in the corner of the kitchen.

The telling version offers a straightforward fact, while the showing version engages the reader's senses, making the experience more relatable and vivid.

Showing Emotional States

For emotional states like trustworthiness:

Telling: The character is trustworthy. Showing: The character consistently delivers on promises, listens attentively to others, and quickly gets to the essence of the matter without wasting time on trivialities.

The showing version compels the reader to deduce the character's traits, creating a more authentic and believable narrative.

When to Show and When to Tell

While the principle of showing over telling is often emphasized, there are instances where telling is necessary. Providing necessary background information, setting the stage for the narrative, or explaining complex ideas are all situations where telling is appropriate. The key is to strike a balance. Describe the characters' emotional states and internal conflicts through showing, but maintain a clear and concise narrative arc with telling as needed.

Examples of Telling

In the context of narrating events, think of a newspaper story versus a novel. A newspaper story focuses on providing impartial facts, while a novel delves into the detailed actions and thoughts of characters. Consider this example:

Telling: Mary was anxious about her upcoming meeting. Showing: Mary paced briskly up and down the aisle outside her cubicle, her watch hand moving every two or three minutes as she assessed the situation nervously.

The showing version makes the character's anxiety palpable, immersing the reader in the moment.

Practical Exercises

One of the best ways to understand the difference between showing and telling is to practice. Try reading classic books or your favorite stories and marking where the author shows versus tells. This will help you see the technique in action and internalize the nuances.

Step 1: Choose a book you're familiar with, preferably a classic or your favorite.

Step 2: Read through the book with a pencil at the ready.

Step 3: Mark sections where the author shows or tells. For instance, note how showing a character's nervousness is more effective than simply saying they are nervous.

Step 4: Analyze the impact of these choices on your reading experience. Reflect on how these descriptions heighten the emotional engagement of the narrative.

Through these exercises, you will develop a better sense of when and how to use showing and telling to create a compelling and immersive story.

Conclusion

The mastery of showing and telling is a skill that enhances the power of written narratives. By learning to describe events and actions with specific, detailed language, you can create a more vivid and engaging story that captivates your readers. However, it is equally important to know when to provide the necessary information through telling. Balancing these techniques will elevate your writing and bring your stories to life.