Fictional Fixation

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” This timeless advice from Anton Chekhov has echoed through countless writing classes and workshops, inspiring writers to rethink how they bring their stories to life. But if you’ve ever paused mid-draft wondering what exactly does ‘showing’ look like?—you’re not alone.

At its heart, “show, don’t tell” is about trust. It’s about trusting your readers to interpret, feel, and immerse themselves in your story without spoon-feeding them every detail. Yet, mastering this essential writing rule often feels elusive, leaving even seasoned storytellers grappling with striking the right balance.

In this post, we’ll explore why “show, don’t tell” is such a cornerstone of compelling storytelling, and more importantly, how you can apply it to your own writing. By the end, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable tips to elevate your craft and create scenes that linger in your readers’ minds long after they’ve turned the last page. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Rule

If you’ve spent any time studying fiction writing, chances are you’ve heard the phrase “show, don’t tell” more times than you can count. But what does it actually mean? And why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

What Does It Mean?

Showing: Picture this: a character walks into a room. Instead of saying, The room was messy, you describe the overturned coffee mug spilling cold liquid onto a stack of unopened bills, the stale scent of last night’s takeout lingering in the air, and the frantic shuffle as the character tries to clear a path. Showing creates a vivid, sensory-driven experience for your readers, letting them see, feel, and interpret the story for themselves.

Telling: On the flip side, telling is straightforward. It gives readers the facts, emotions, or actions without much room for interpretation. For example, He was angry tells us about the emotion, but it doesn’t let us see it.

Why It Matters

Connection with Characters: Showing invites readers to experience the story alongside the characters. Instead of being told Maria was nervous, readers feel Maria’s sweaty palms, hear her stumbling over words, and notice her avoiding eye contact—all of which make her anxiety more tangible and relatable.

Immersion in the Story: Vivid scenes pull readers into your world, making them active participants. Telling, while efficient, can feel like reading a summary instead of living the story.

Risk of Overusing Telling: When too much of the narrative is summarized or explicitly stated, it can disengage readers, leaving them feeling distanced from the emotional core of the story.

Common Misconceptions

Telling Isn’t Always Bad: Contrary to what some believe, telling has its place. It’s especially useful when transitioning between scenes, providing quick exposition, or summarizing less important details. For example, Three days passed without incident is more efficient than dragging readers through mundane, uneventful moments.

It’s About Balance: The art of storytelling lies in knowing when to show and when to tell. Think of showing as the spotlight moments—when emotions run high or pivotal events unfold—and telling as the connective tissue that helps the story flow.

By understanding the nuances of showing and telling, you’re already on your way to crafting more dynamic, engaging narratives.

The Anatomy of ‘Showing’

Mastering the art of “show, don’t tell” starts with understanding its essential building blocks. At its core, showing is about crafting scenes so vivid and layered that readers feel as though they’re right there, living the story alongside your characters. Let’s break down the key elements that bring this technique to life.

Key Elements of Showing

Sensory Details

Engage your readers by activating their senses. Don’t just describe what something looks like—immerse them in the sounds, smells, textures, and even tastes of the scene.

Example: Instead of saying, The forest was peaceful, show the hush of rustling leaves, the faint trill of a distant bird, and the cool, damp earth beneath a character’s boots.

Action

Actions speak louder than words, especially when it comes to emotions. Show what a character does, not just how they feel.

Example: Instead of telling, She was scared, describe her gripping the edge of the chair, her knees bouncing as her eyes darted toward the door with every creak of the floorboards.

Dialogue

Use dialogue not just to convey information, but to reveal subtext, emotion, and relationships. The way characters speak—tone, pauses, interruptions—can show far more than the words themselves.

Example: Instead of writing, He was angry with her, show it in their interaction:

“Really? That’s what you’re going with?” His voice was tight, each word clipped. He didn’t wait for her reply before slamming the cupboard shut.

Inner Thoughts

Dive into a character’s mind to reveal their emotions and struggles, but do so with vivid, in-character reflections. Avoid simply stating feelings—let their thoughts show their state of mind.

Example: Instead of writing, He felt guilty, try:

The memory of her tear-streaked face wouldn’t leave him. No matter how many times he told himself he’d done the right thing, the knot in his stomach said otherwise.

Examples: Telling vs. Showing

Telling: “She was angry.”
Showing: “Her fists clenched, and her voice cracked as she struggled to keep it steady. ‘Is this some kind of joke?’ she hissed.”

Telling: “The weather was bad.”
Showing: “Rain lashed against the windows, and wind howled through the cracks, rattling the loose panes like a drumbeat.”

By combining these elements, you’ll create scenes that are vivid, immersive, and emotionally resonant. Showing doesn’t just paint a picture—it pulls readers into the heart of the story, making them feel every moment as though it’s happening to them.

Balancing Show and Tell

While “show, don’t tell” is essential advice, the truth is that great writing often requires a balance between the two. Knowing when to show and when to tell is key to keeping your narrative engaging, well-paced, and emotionally impactful. Let’s explore how to strike this balance effectively.

When to Show

Showing is most effective in moments that demand depth and emotional resonance. These are the scenes that define your story and characters—the ones you want readers to linger on and feel deeply.

Pivotal Emotional Moments: Show emotions like heartbreak, joy, or anger by painting vivid, sensory-rich scenes that let readers experience those feelings alongside your characters.

Character Development: Use showing to reveal a character’s traits, quirks, or growth through their actions, choices, and dialogue rather than outright descriptions.

Climactic Scenes: When the stakes are high, showing creates tension and immerses readers in the intensity of the moment.

When to Tell

Telling, while less immersive, is a powerful tool for efficiency. It allows you to move the story forward without bogging it down with unnecessary details.

Streamlining Transitions: Summarize the passage of time or uneventful periods to maintain momentum. For example, instead of detailing every day of a character’s journey, you might write: For the next three days, the road stretched endlessly under a gray sky.

Providing Backstory: A concise telling of past events can give readers the context they need without overwhelming them.

Delivering Quick Exposition: Telling works well for minor details or world-building elements that aren’t central to the scene’s drama or emotion.

Example of Balance

Let’s look at a situation where showing and telling work together seamlessly:

Telling: It had been weeks since Ellie had spoken to her sister.

Showing: She stared at the unanswered text on her screen, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. “I’m sorry,” she whispered to no one, before locking her phone and tossing it onto the couch.

In this example, the telling provides quick context, giving the reader a clear time frame. The showing follows, diving into Ellie’s hesitation and regret in a way that makes the moment come alive.

Why Balance Matters

Overloading your narrative with showing can overwhelm readers, slowing the pace with excessive detail. On the flip side, relying too heavily on telling can make your story feel flat and distant. By combining both approaches, you create a rhythm that keeps readers engaged, informed, and emotionally connected.

Finding the right balance is a skill that grows with practice, but by thinking critically about your scenes and their purpose, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this dynamic storytelling duo.

Techniques to Improve ‘Showing’

Mastering the art of “showing” requires practice, creativity, and a touch of finesse. Luckily, there are concrete techniques you can use to bring your scenes to life. Here’s how to sharpen your skills and make your writing more vivid and engaging.

Visualize Before Writing

Before putting words on the page, take a moment to picture the scene vividly in your mind. Imagine the setting, the characters’ movements, and the emotional undercurrent.

Ask yourself: What would this look like in a movie? What would the characters feel, see, hear, or smell in this moment?

Pro Tip: Jot down sensory details before drafting to ensure your description feels layered and immersive.

Use Active Verbs

Passive language can flatten a scene, while active verbs inject energy and momentum.

Passive: The book was placed on the table.
Active: She slammed the book onto the table, the sound echoing in the quiet room.

Active verbs do more than describe action—they also reveal tone, mood, and character motivation.

Engage the Reader’s Imagination

Readers love to connect the dots. Instead of spelling everything out, provide just enough detail for them to infer meaning.

Example: Rather than writing, He was nervous, show him tugging at his collar, his leg bouncing under the table, and his words stumbling over one another.

By leaving space for readers to interpret, you make them active participants in the story.

Experiment with Metaphors and Similes

A well-placed metaphor or simile can make your writing more evocative, helping readers connect with the scene on an emotional level.

Example: Instead of saying, Her voice was shaky, try, Her words wavered like a candle’s flame in a gust of wind.

Metaphors and similes don’t just describe—they create atmosphere and mood, pulling readers deeper into the moment.

Write in Scenes, Not Summaries

Think of each scene as a mini-story with its own beginning, middle, and end. Focus on showing how events unfold rather than summarizing them.

Summary: They argued about the decision all evening.
Scene: “This isn’t just a mistake,” he said, his voice low and sharp. “It’s reckless.”
She crossed her arms, her jaw tight. “And sitting here doing nothing is the better option?”
The room was silent for a moment before he exhaled, long and slow, and sank into the chair.

Scenes create a sense of immediacy that summaries often lack, drawing readers into the thick of the action.

Read Aloud

Sometimes, the best way to catch flat or overly summarized writing is to hear it. Read your work aloud to yourself or someone else, and listen for areas where the narrative feels distant or lifeless.

If a section feels dull, ask yourself: Am I showing enough here? Could I add sensory details, active verbs, or a more dynamic interaction?

Putting It All Together

Improving your ability to show rather than tell takes patience and practice, but these techniques will help you start seeing your scenes differently. Think of showing as a way to invite readers into your world, to feel the tension, joy, or heartbreak as if they were living it themselves.

By applying these strategies, you’ll not only enhance your storytelling but also create moments that resonate deeply with your audience.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While “show, don’t tell” is a powerful guideline, it’s easy to take it too far—or apply it in ways that undermine your story. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for and tips on how to steer clear of them.

Over-Showing

It’s tempting to pack every moment with rich, descriptive details, but too much showing can bog down your story’s pace. Readers love immersive scenes, but they also appreciate a story that moves.

Example of Over-Showing:

Instead of simply writing, He picked up the letter, you describe every step: He reached out his trembling hand, his fingers brushing the rough, weathered paper before curling around its edges. Slowly, he lifted it from the table.

The Problem: This level of detail is unnecessary unless the act of picking up the letter is emotionally or narratively significant.

Solution: Reserve detailed showing for moments that matter. Use concise descriptions to keep less important actions moving.

Purple Prose

Overly elaborate, flowery language might seem artistic, but it often distracts from the story. When descriptions become more about showcasing your writing than serving the narrative, you risk losing your readers.

Example of Purple Prose:

The shimmering, opalescent orb of dawn kissed the horizon, spilling molten gold across the cerulean expanse and igniting the verdant tapestry of flora in a symphony of light.

The Problem: While poetic, this description is more about style than substance. It overwhelms the reader and may not fit the tone of the scene.

Solution: Focus on clarity and precision. Use evocative descriptions, but ensure they serve the story’s mood and pacing.

Misplaced Showing

Not every moment in your story needs a fully fleshed-out scene. Showing trivial actions or details can bore readers and dilute the impact of more critical moments.

Example of Misplaced Showing:

She brushed her teeth, the minty foam bubbling in her mouth as she scrubbed each molar with meticulous care. The bristles rasped against her gums, leaving a faint tingling sensation.

The Problem: Unless brushing her teeth is central to the plot (perhaps she’s about to find poison in her toothpaste!), this level of detail feels unnecessary.

Solution: Save showing for scenes that develop characters, advance the plot, or evoke strong emotions. Summarize mundane moments to maintain narrative momentum.

How to Strike the Right Balance

Avoiding these pitfalls is all about intention. Ask yourself:

• Does this description enhance the reader’s understanding of the character, mood, or stakes?
• Am I showing something meaningful, or am I filling space with unnecessary detail?

When used thoughtfully, showing can create vivid, memorable stories that grip your readers. By sidestepping these common traps, you’ll ensure your writing is dynamic and effective without losing its heart.

Practicing the Art

Like any writing skill, mastering “show, don’t tell” takes practice. The more you work at it, the easier it will become to spot opportunities to show—and to execute it effectively. Here are some practical exercises and strategies to help you hone this essential craft.

Writing Exercises

Rewrite a Telling Passage into a Vivid Scene

Take a passage from your current draft where you’ve summarized emotions, actions, or settings and rewrite it using sensory details, action, and dialogue.

Before: She was furious about the decision.

After: Her chair screeched against the floor as she stood abruptly, knocking over her coffee. “You can’t be serious,” she said, her voice sharp enough to cut through the tense silence. “This is a mistake.”

Tip: Focus on how the character’s emotions manifest physically or through dialogue.

Show Emotions Without Naming Them

Challenge yourself to convey emotions without using their names. Instead of writing She was sad, show her slumped shoulders, the way she stared blankly at the rain trailing down the window, or her half-hearted response to a friend’s joke.

Goal: Make readers feel the emotion rather than simply reading about it.

Write a Scene with Only Sensory Details

Start by crafting a scene using just sensory descriptions: sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. Immerse yourself in the environment and let the details do the talking.

Example: The alley reeked of stale beer and damp cardboard. Dim neon light from a flickering sign danced on the puddles pooling around uneven cobblestones. A faint buzz of a streetlamp overhead hummed against the muffled chatter from the distant bar.

Next, revise the scene to include action and dialogue, weaving them into the sensory framework to create a dynamic, engaging moment.

Get Feedback

One of the best ways to improve your “showing” skills is to share your work with critique groups, beta readers, or writing communities. Ask specific questions, such as:

• Does this scene make you feel connected to the character?
• Can you picture what’s happening clearly?
• Are there moments where the description feels excessive or unnecessary?

Constructive feedback can highlight where you’ve nailed the balance between showing and telling—and where you might need to adjust.

Why Practice Matters

These exercises aren’t just about improving individual scenes; they train your writer’s instinct. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of when to show, when to tell, and how to craft moments that pull readers in and keep them hooked.

By dedicating time to practice and seeking thoughtful feedback, you’ll elevate your storytelling, making your narrative not just something readers follow, but something they feel. Ready to take your writing to the next level? Start practicing today, and watch your stories transform.

Closing Thoughts

Mastering “show, don’t tell” is a transformative step in any writer’s journey. By weaving sensory details, action, and emotion into your narrative, you invite readers to experience your story rather than merely read it. Showing creates moments that linger, characters that resonate, and stories that come alive in the imagination.

Now it’s time to take what you’ve learned and apply it to your writing. Whether you’re revising a draft or starting fresh, challenge yourself to use the techniques we’ve discussed. Share your progress, questions, or favorite examples in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re making this powerful rule work for you!

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As you embrace the challenge of showing, remember the words of E.L. Doctorow:
“Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.”

Every scene you write is an opportunity to evoke those sensations, to make readers feel every raindrop, hear every heartbeat, and live every moment.

Ready to dive deeper into your craft? Explore more articles, resources, and exercises here on the blog. Together, let’s turn good stories into unforgettable experiences. Keep writing, and keep showing!