Show Don't Tell Examples to Know for Intro to Creative Writing

Showing instead of telling brings stories to life. By using physical reactions, sensory details, and vivid imagery, writers can create deeper connections with readers. This approach reveals character, emotions, and relationships, making narratives more engaging and impactful.

1. Describing physical reactions instead of emotions

   • Use body language to convey feelings (e.g., clenched fists for anger).
   • Describe physiological responses (e.g., sweating, trembling) to indicate fear or anxiety.
   • Show facial expressions (e.g., a furrowed brow) to reflect confusion or concern.

2. Using sensory details to create atmosphere

   • Engage the five senses to immerse readers in the setting (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures).
   • Use descriptive language to evoke specific moods (e.g., a warm glow for comfort, a chilling breeze for unease).
   • Create contrasts in sensory details to enhance emotional impact (e.g., a vibrant market amidst a desolate street).

3. Revealing character through actions and dialogue

   • Show character traits through decisions and behaviors (e.g., a character who helps others is compassionate).
   • Use dialogue to reveal personality and background (e.g., slang for youth, formal speech for authority).
   • Highlight contradictions in actions and words to add depth (e.g., a character who claims to be brave but hesitates).

4. Employing specific and vivid imagery

   • Use precise adjectives and verbs to create clear mental pictures (e.g., "crimson leaves" instead of "red leaves").
   • Evoke emotions through imagery that resonates with readers (e.g., "the sun dipped below the horizon like a tired traveler").
   • Avoid clichés by crafting original descriptions that surprise and engage.

5. Showing internal thoughts and feelings through behavior

   • Illustrate internal conflict through external actions (e.g., pacing back and forth when anxious).
   • Use small, repetitive gestures to indicate stress or excitement (e.g., biting nails, tapping feet).
   • Allow characters' choices to reflect their inner struggles and desires.

6. Using active verbs instead of passive ones

   • Choose strong, dynamic verbs to create a sense of immediacy (e.g., "sprinted" instead of "was running").
   • Avoid weak constructions that dilute impact (e.g., "was" or "were" can often be replaced).
   • Enhance clarity and engagement by making the subject of the sentence the doer of the action.

7. Incorporating metaphors and similes

   • Use comparisons to create vivid connections (e.g., "her smile was like sunshine").
   • Choose fresh and relevant metaphors that enhance understanding and evoke emotion.
   • Avoid overused phrases to maintain originality and impact.

8. Demonstrating relationships through interactions

   • Show dynamics through dialogue and body language (e.g., a character leaning in to show interest).
   • Use conflict and cooperation in interactions to reveal the nature of relationships.
   • Highlight changes in relationships through evolving dialogue and actions over time.

9. Revealing backstory through present-day scenes

   • Integrate past experiences into current actions or dialogue (e.g., a character flinching at a loud noise).
   • Use flashbacks or memories to provide context without lengthy exposition.
   • Allow characters' histories to inform their present choices and relationships.

10. Creating tension through pacing and description

• Vary sentence length to control the rhythm of the narrative (short sentences for urgency, longer for reflection).
• Use cliffhangers and unanswered questions to maintain reader interest.
• Build suspense through detailed descriptions that heighten stakes and emotions.