Well, well, well. We’ve reached the midway hump of February, that day has been and gone, and now we’re back at it. Fingers to the keyboard, mind all whirring about story ideas and what’s coming for the rest of the year.
In this week’s update, we wanted to dive a little deeper into the craft of writing. You know it’s easy to tell the reader how your character’s feeling, but to give your words more depth, you need to show. The furtive glance, the cracking of knuckles, the smile that doesn’t quite reach their eyes.
That’s why we’re exploring the art of subtext, and how you can add even more depth to your storytelling. Here we go.
Understanding the important of subtext
Subtext is the silent powerhouse lurking beneath the surface of a narrative, conveying layers of meaning and emotion that go beyond the explicit text. We’ve all seen it.
It’s the unspoken tension between characters, the hidden agendas lurking beneath seemingly innocuous actions, and the nuanced symbolism woven into descriptive passages.
Unlike text, which presents information directly, subtext is so important because it’s subtle, and it relies on the reader being able to interpret those delicious cues you’ve so artfully woven into your writing.
Think about it, you see your friend for the first time in ages. You ask them how they are. You get the (don’t) very British answer of “I’m fine” or “I’m okay”, but you know it’s not true. That’s subtext.
Their eyes don’t match their tight smile, and their white knuckles. They can’t quite meet your gaze. Something’s wrong, and much like reading, it’s down to you to try to understand what that is. If they need you to, of course.
Here’re some more examples:
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: The green light across the bay symbolises Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and longing for the past.
- “Breaking Bad” (TV Series): Walter White’s meticulous cooking process serves as a metaphor for his descent into moral ambiguity and criminality.
- “Inception” (Film): The spinning top at the end hints at the ambiguity of reality and the protagonist’s unresolved emotional journey.
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: The mockingbird symbolises innocence and the unjust persecution of the innocent, serving as a sub-textual commentary on racism and prejudice.
If you haven’t already heard of them, then the Emotional Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi is absolutely one of our go-to guides. We’d recommend checking it out.
Subtext in dialogue
We’ve already touched on the “I’m fine” situation, so we won’t go into that again. However, it’s critical to remember that subtext in dialogue enriches character interactions by conveying underlying emotions, motivations, and conflicts subtly.
It adds depth to characters, making them more multi-dimensional and relatable to readers. By infusing dialogue with subtext, writers create authentic and emotionally resonant exchanges that mirror real-life communication. This enhances reader engagement and investment in the narrative, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Subtext not only adds depth to character interactions but also serves as a catalyst for plot development.
By introducing conflicting desires and hidden agendas through sub-textual cues in dialogue, you can create intrigue and suspense, propelling the narrative forward with unexpected twists and turns.
This heightened tension keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly expecting the resolution of conflicts and the unfolding of your story’s next chapter.
Here’re some examples that you might recognise:
- In “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy’s aloof manner conceals his growing affection for Elizabeth Bennet.
- In “The Godfather” (Film), Michael Corleone’s calm demeanour masks his ruthless determination to protect his family’s interests.
- In “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s sarcastic banter often belies his underlying feelings of loneliness and alienation.
- In “Friends” (TV Series), Chandler Bing’s self-deprecating humour serves as a defence mechanism to conceal his insecurities about commitment and relationships.
Subtext in description and action
Subtext in description and action breathes life into a narrative, enriching it with layers of meaning that transcend the surface level.
With a bit of revision and practice, you’ll be able to weave subtext into your prose by paying attention to the details: the way a character hesitates before speaking, the subtle shift in their posture, or the significance of their surroundings. These elements serve as vehicles for conveying underlying emotions, motivations, and conflicts without explicitly stating them.
To include subtext effectively in description and action, writers should focus on specificity and nuance. Instead of spelling out every detail, they should trust readers to infer meaning from carefully chosen words and imagery.
By selecting evocative language and crafting vivid scenes, you’ll be able to create a rich tapestry of subtext that enhances your reader’s understanding and engagement with your story.
Have you ever really dug deep into these examples?
- In “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen’s archery skills symbolise her resilience and defiance against oppressive forces in her dystopian society.
- In the TV series “Stranger Things,” Eleven’s love for Eggo waffles serves as a poignant reminder of her deprived childhood and longing for normalcy.
- In “The Shining” by Stephen King, the eerie atmosphere of the Overlook Hotel reflects the psychological turmoil of the characters, hinting at deeper supernatural forces at play.
- In the film “Whiplash,” the protagonist’s bleeding fingers after an intense drumming session signify his relentless pursuit of perfection and the sacrifices he’s willing to make for his passion.
Subtext in practice
Crafting subtext requires honing one’s ability to convey depth and nuance through carefully chosen words and actions.
Writers can sharpen this skill through practical exercises designed to encourage subtlety and inference in their writing. One effective exercise is to rewrite scenes or dialogues, focusing on imbuing them with sub-textual layers.
For example, a straightforward conversation between two characters about their plans for the weekend can transform into a subtext-rich exchange by introducing underlying tensions or hidden agendas.
Another exercise is to write character descriptions or setting descriptions that hint at deeper meanings beneath the surface. By incorporating sensory details and symbolic imagery, writers can evoke emotions and themes without making them too obvious.
Examples of Subtext in Practice:
Original: “She smiled as she handed him the cup of coffee.”
Sub-textual Rewrite: “Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes as she handed him the cup of coffee, her fingers tight as the heat scorched her skin.”
Original: “He clenched his fists in frustration.”
Sub-textual Rewrite: “Pops filled the air as his knuckles cracked. He shifted, arms tense, cocking his head to one side as the man strode towards him. Today was his day.”
Original: “The room was dimly lit by a single lamp.”
Sub-textual Rewrite: “The solitary bulb hummed as it swung from a frayed cord, the only light in the dank room.”
By practicing these exercises, you can develop the skills to infuse your writing with delicious, mouth-watering subtext, and captivate your readers.
The final round up
Hopefully, if we’ve done our job right, that’s given you some real insight into how subtext can take your craft to the next level.
Show, don’t tell, and all that. It might seem hard at first, but there’re always resources available to help. Remember, you have the power to infuse your writing with everything we’ve gone through.
Believe in yourself, dear writer. You’ve got this. But before you go, one last question.
How do you think you could include more subtext in your writing?
Let us know in the comments below, or if you’re still not sure and want to sound it out with other authors, then why not jump over to our free Discord community?
You’ll get access to Founder and bestselling author Daniel Willcocks, as well as our diverse family of Activated Authors who each know what it takes to navigate the dizzy heights of creative success.
