Show, Don’t Tell: A Deep Dive into One of Writing’s Most Misunderstood Rules
“Show, don’t tell.” It’s one of the most common pieces of advice given to new writers, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, when is it okay to tell instead of showing? In this post, we’ll break down this foundational writing principle, explore examples, and discuss when breaking the rule can actually improve your storytelling.
What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Mean?
At its core, “show, don’t tell” encourages writers to immerse readers in the story by using vivid details, sensory descriptions, and actions rather than simply stating facts. This technique allows readers to experience the story rather than just being informed about it.
Telling:
Sarah was angry.
Showing:
Sarah’s hands clenched into fists, her face burning red as she slammed the door behind her.
The second example allows the reader to see Sarah’s anger rather than being directly told about it. By describing her body language and physical reactions, the writing becomes more engaging and emotionally impactful.
Why Showing is More Powerful Than Telling
Creates a More Immersive Experience – Showing helps the reader step inside the character’s world and emotions, making the story feel more real.
Engages the Senses – Instead of passively absorbing information, readers experience sights, sounds, smells, and textures through descriptive language.
Develops Character Depth – Instead of being told what a character is like, readers observe their actions and dialogue, leading to deeper connections.
When to Show and When to Tell
While showing often strengthens a story, there are times when telling is more effective. The key is knowing when to use each approach.
When to Show:
✅ Emotional Moments – Instead of telling the reader a character is sad, show their quiet tears, their slumped posture, or the way they trace the rim of their coffee cup absently.
✅ Action Scenes – Rather than telling the reader a fight was intense, describe the crunch of fists meeting ribs, the stagger of a character as they barely dodge a blow.
✅ Character Development – Let readers see a character’s personality through how they interact with others, their habits, and their body language.
✅ Key Plot Events – Moments that are crucial to the story’s emotional impact should be lived through, not summarized.
When to Tell:
✅ Transitions & Pacing – If every single moment is shown in detail, your novel will slow to a crawl. A brief summary can help bridge time gaps efficiently.
Three weeks passed, and the town’s mood shifted from despair to cautious hope.
✅ Background Information & Exposition – Sometimes, a direct explanation is necessary to establish important facts quickly.
The island had been abandoned for decades, its history buried under layers of myth and speculation.
✅ Minor Details That Don’t Warrant a Scene – Not every action needs a detailed play-by-play.
They ordered dinner and made small talk until the food arrived.
✅ Avoiding Redundancy – If an emotion or concept has already been clearly shown, there’s no need to hammer it home by explicitly stating it.
Striking the Right Balance
The best writing often combines showing and telling. Over-showing can overwhelm the reader with unnecessary detail, while too much telling can make a story feel flat and distant. Consider this blended example:
Emma’s stomach twisted as she scanned the empty restaurant. The clock above the counter ticked loudly in the silence. He’s not coming. Disappointment settled deep in her chest.
Here, we have a mix of showing (Emma’s stomach twisting, scanning the restaurant) and telling (disappointment settled deep in her chest). This balance allows for an emotionally rich moment without over-explaining.
Final Thoughts
“Show, don’t tell” is a guideline, not an absolute rule. The best writers learn when to lean into vivid, sensory details and when to summarize efficiently. Next time you revise a scene, ask yourself: Would this moment be stronger if the reader experienced it firsthand? Or would a brief summary serve the pacing better? Striking that balance is where great storytelling happens.
Let’s Discuss!
What’s a scene you’ve struggled with—too much telling or too much showing? Drop your thoughts in the comments! And if you found this post helpful, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for more writing tips and deep dives.
