Debunking the Oldest Writing Rule: Show, Don’t Tell

The golden rule of thumb when it comes to learning about writing consists of three words: show, don’t tell. Plenty of interpretations of this rule exists, but for this article, we’ll keep it concise into debunking this rule to showcase how to balance both writing and showing in writing fiction. 

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What does “Show, don’t tell” mean?

As writers and authors, hearing this rule isn’t probably new as this is something also taught in the standard classes within primary and secondary education. Often misunderstood and misquoted because on paper, it’s very specific and direct. However, it is full of nuances. 

Simply put, the line tells the writer to let readers experience the story by invoking sensory details (vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste), dialogue, and actions rather than outright explaining things. 

The most common example people show when it comes to following this rule is through passages. For example:

Tell: She was nervous before her speech.

Show: Her hands trembled as she gripped the podium, her breath quick and unsteady.

Tell: It was a hot day.

Show: Heat shimmered off the asphalt, and sweat pooled at the back of his neck.

This example highlights the difference between showing and telling, with a clear preference for showing since it brings scenes to life and makes the reading experience more immersive. Usually, the explanation stops here, leaving telling out of the conversation as if it has no place in fiction. But the truth is, telling isn’t inherently bad. Both showing and telling have their own roles in shaping a story.

The Strengths of Telling

Efficiency & Pacing

Telling helps keep the story moving by skipping over less significant events. Instead of bogging down the narrative with unnecessary details, a simple statement like “The next few days passed in a blur of meetings and emails” moves things along without losing momentum. This is especially useful for transitions or time jumps, ensuring the reader doesn’t get stuck in mundane moments.

Clarity & Directness

Sometimes, the best way to get a point across is to just say it. If a character is furious but trying to stay composed, showing every micro-expression might dilute the impact. A direct line like “She was livid, but she swallowed her anger” leaves no room for confusion and lets the story move forward without unnecessary ambiguity.

Avoiding Redundancy

If a scene has already conveyed a character’s emotions through action and dialogue, there’s no need to over-explain. After a heated argument, a simple “They didn’t speak for days” reinforces the tension without rehashing every lingering emotion. Telling in these moments helps avoid repetitive or excessive showing.

Internal Thoughts & Abstract Concepts

While showing emotions through actions is effective, sometimes a character’s thoughts or abstract ideas are best stated outright. “He had never felt more alone” delivers an immediate emotional punch without needing external cues. Telling is especially useful for deep introspection or philosophical musings that don’t require physical gestures to be understood.

Genre & Narrative Style

Some storytelling styles lean heavily on telling. Fairytales, fables, and certain literary works use direct statements to shape their tone and atmosphere. Lines like “She was the kindest queen the kingdom had ever known” fit perfectly within these genres, proving that telling isn’t just a necessity, it can also be an artistic choice.

At its core, telling isn’t a weakness. When used strategically, it enhances storytelling by maintaining pacing, delivering clarity, and balancing the depth of the narrative.

The Strengths of Showing

Emotional Moments

Instead of telling readers a character is sad or angry, showing their body language, facial expressions, or internal reactions creates a more vivid and relatable experience. A character’s trembling hands or clenched jaw communicates far more about their emotional state than words ever could, allowing readers to feel those emotions deeply.

Action-heavy Scenes

Action-heavy scenes benefit immensely from showing, as it makes the moments feel immediate and intense. Whether it's a high-speed chase or a quiet confrontation, showing the characters’ movements, sounds, and environment pulls readers into the action. 

Revealing Subtext or Character Emotions

Sometimes, emotions and intentions aren’t overtly stated, they’re implied. Showing is key when revealing subtext or subtle character emotions. Small gestures, like a hesitant glance or a quiet sigh, can communicate internal conflict or hidden feelings, allowing readers to infer more about the characters than what’s directly expressed. 

How to Identify When to Show vs. Tell

The key to knowing when to show versus tell often lies in the “reader engagement test.” If a moment calls for deeper emotional connection, where readers should truly feel what the character is experiencing, show it. This works especially well in emotionally charged scenes where the reader’s engagement is crucial. On the other hand, if the moment is more about moving the plot forward or providing background information, telling can be more effective. It keeps the pace steady and avoids bogging down the narrative with unnecessary detail.

Another helpful guideline is the “pacing check.” If a scene feels sluggish or too detailed, telling can help tighten things up, getting the point across without extra layers. Conversely, if the scene feels rushed or lacks emotional depth, it might be time to show more, adding sensory details and expanding on the character’s thoughts or actions to slow things down and enhance the mood.

Showing and telling aren’t two opposing techniques, they’re tools that work together to build a richer, more engaging narrative. Each has its role depending on the needs of the scene and the overall pacing of the story. The key is to experiment with both, trusting your instincts, and refining your ability to choose when and how to use them. By embracing the power of both techniques, writers can create stories that feel dynamic, immersive, and well-paced.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment, mastering the balance will elevate your storytelling.

Balancing both showing and telling is key to a greater narrative impact. Let themanuscripteditor.com help you. Send your manuscript to themanuscripteditor.com for a complimentary 800-word sample. Let us help you bring your book to life!