The Art of Telling vs. Showing: Mastering Narrative Viewpoint in Creative Writing

Many authors have mistakenly conflated the concepts of ldquo;tellingrdquo; and ldquo;showingrdquo; in creative writing. These terms are often misunderstood, yet they profoundly impact how readers engage with the narrative. In fact, both techniques, when used effectively, engage the reader's mind and immerse them in the story.

Simply put, ldquo;tellingrdquo; involves directly stating facts or emotions, while ldquo;showingrdquo; involves depicting the scenes, actions, and emotions through the characters' experiences. Both methods are crucial, but it is the artful balance between them that defines a compelling story. Studies have shown that readers prefer narratives that provide both sensory details and character-driven insights, as it keeps them engaged and invested in the plot.

Understanding the Misinterpretation: Telling vs. Showing

There is a misconception about the art of storytelling where authors believe that ldquo;showingrdquo; is inherently superior to ldquo;telling.rdquo; While this is often the case, it is vital to recognize that both techniques are equally important. As the article ldquo;What are some examples of telling the reader and showing a reader an action/event?rdquo; highlights, ldquo;both are necessary to truly engage the readerrsquo;s mind.rdquo; This balance is critical for maintaining a rich and immersive reading experience.

The Importance of Setting and Atmosphere

One area where showing techniques shine is in setting and atmosphere. For example, instead of simply telling readers that the sky is blue, one might describe how the character shades their eyes as they merge with the sun, or how their eyes tear up in the blinding light. This technique involves describing the impact of the blue sky on the character, rather than simply stating its color. It is about how the sky shades their eyes and how they tears up because of the blinding light, not just the visual element of the sky itself.

Examples of Telling and Showing

Let's examine the difference with a concrete example: 'Tellingrsquo; and 'Showing'.

Telling: Joe hung up the phone and yelled and cursed because he was angry at the bill collectors for insisting he hadn’t paid the bill. He had paid it last Tuesday and they didn’t believe him.

In this instance, the author is directly telling the reader Joe's emotional state and actions. While this provides a straightforward account, it lacks the depth and engagement that a well-crafted narrative viewpoint can offer. On the other hand, let's look at the showing example:

Showing: Joe slammed down the phone and plowed his hand back through his hair. ldquo;I paid that damn bill last Tuesday!rdquo;

This example allows the reader to experience the scene as if they are part of it. The action of slamming the phone and the physical gesture of the hand emphasize Joe's frustration. The words, like ldquo;damn bill, rdquo; also convey his anger and disbelief.

Exploring Chekhov's Original Statement

It is interesting to note that the origination of the phrase ldquo;show, don't tellrdquo; is often attributed to Anton Chekhov. However, Chekhov's actual statement was different. In a letter to his brother, he wrote:

ldquo;If in the course of the story it becomes necessary to recall some fact mentioned at the beginning, let it be done so naturally, keeping in mind the fact that a fact should be mentioned only when it is organic, and not simply when it is necessary.rdquo;

Chekhov was speaking about the art of imagery and the importance of providing specific details to the reader, rather than summarizing facts. As a result, the actual statement is about providing the reader with specific, detailed imagery, rather than just summarizing. This clarifies the distinction between ldquo;tellingrdquo; (summarizing) and ldquo;showingrdquo; (providing specific, detailed imagery).

Exposition vs. Narrative Viewpoint

For a deeper understanding of the difference between ldquo;tellingrdquo; and ldquo;showing,rdquo; it is helpful to explore the concepts of exposition and narrative viewpoint. The primary distinction lies in these two aspects:

Exposition: This involves directly stating facts or events in a narrative. Narrative Viewpoint: This involves depicting scenes, actions, and emotions through the characters, using descriptive language and sensory details.

A balance between exposition and narrative viewpoint is essential. As the example in Will Greenway's post at Auth-mentors illustrated, the use of a narrative viewpoint can make the scene more engaging and immersive.

Conclusion

The concept of ldquo;show, don't tellrdquo; is a misunderstood but powerful tool in creative writing. It encourages authors to immerse their readers in the story through vivid descriptions and emotional interactions. By employing a balance of ldquo;tellingrdquo; and ldquo;showing,rdquo; authors can create immersive narratives that captivate their audience and provide a satisfying reading experience.

Mastering the art of ldquo;showingrdquo; and ldquo;tellingrdquo; is not just about choosing one over the other. It is about understanding how these techniques can work in harmony to build a rich and engaging narrative. Ultimately, the goal is to engage the reader's mind and senses, making the story a memorable experience.