Show, Don’t Tell

When it comes to writing, the readers should feel like they are watching the action. The writer must make them forget they are reading a book. This is done by showing. If you want a reader to get to know a character, show the actions and dialogue of the character. Don’t just say Arnold was mean and stupid. Show it.

Arnold smashed his foot down on top of mine. He put his fist in my face. “I’m stupid, huh? You think I’m dumb, huh? What would you do if I smashed your teeth down your throat? I wouldn’t be so dumb then. Right?”

Now that is more interesting than just saying Arnold was mean and stupid. If you tell your reader the character has a broken arm, so what? If you show the bare bone sticking through the pale skin, the reader may experience it.

Another way to show not tell is to incorporate the five senses into your description. Instead of just telling the reader what is seen, show what can be smelled, heard, felt, or tasted. Try to use two or three of the senses when you are describing something. Do this writing exercise. Grab your writer’s notebook and go sit in a restaurant or coffee shop next to the window. What do you see in the restaurant? Out the window? What noises do you hear from within the room and from the outside? What smells fill the air? What does the tablecloth feel like? What textures do the foods and drinks have as you taste them?

Wikipedia article on Show, Don't Tell