Character traits and motivation

Internal conflict

External conflict

Character arcs

Showing vs telling

MYP English Lang & Lit Showing Vs Telling Notes

Showing vs Telling

(or: how writers make ideas feel real)

Writers can describe characters, emotions, and ideas in two main ways:

by telling the reader directly
or by showing them through detail and action

Strong writing usually relies more on showing than telling.

1. What does “telling” mean?

Definition

Telling

Telling is a writing technique where the writer directly names emotions, traits, or meanings instead of revealing them through action, dialogue, or detail.

The reader is given the answer without needing to work it out.

Telling is clear and efficient, but it can feel flat or unengaging if overused.

Example

He was angry.
She felt nervous.
The character was selfish.
It was a sad moment.

2. What does “showing” mean?

Definition

Showing

Showing means revealing ideas, emotions, or character traits through actions, dialogue, and sensory details instead of stating them directly.

Showing is when the writer lets the reader infer information through:

actions
dialogue
thoughts
body language
setting and atmosphere

The reader figures out how a character feels or who they are by paying attention to clues.

Showing makes the reader experience the moment rather than just being told about it.

Example

Actions: what a character does
- He avoided her eyes and folded his arms.
Dialogue: what and how characters speak
- “Fine,” she said, too quickly.
Body language: physical reaction.
- Her jaw tightened.
Sensory detail: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste
- The room felt airless; the clock ticked too loudly.
Setting & symbols: environment reflects meaning
- The paint peeled from the walls.

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Tip

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Definition

Paywall

(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.

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Tip

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Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
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MYP English Lang & Lit Showing Vs Telling Notes

Showing vs Telling

1. What does “telling” mean?

2. What does “showing” mean?

3. Why showing is usually more effective

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Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Showing vs Telling

1. What does “telling” mean?

2. What does “showing” mean?

3. Why showing is usually more effective

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

MYP English Lang & Lit Showing Vs Telling Notes

Characterization and Human Behaviour5 subtopics

Dramatic Writing and Performance Techniques 4 subtopics

Narrative Perspective and Voice4 subtopics

Poetic Form and Expressive Techniques4 subtopics

Short Story Structure and Theme4 subtopics

Critical Reading and Media Interpretation4 subtopics

Travel Writing and Descriptive Craft3 subtopics

Ethical Reasoning in Texts3 subtopics

Argumentation and Persuasive Writing4 subtopics

Relationships and Interpersonal Themes3 subtopics

Duality, Conflict and Symbolism2 subtopics

Responsibility, Agency and Theme Development4 subtopics

Showing vs Telling

1. What does “telling” mean?

2. What does “showing” mean?

3. Why showing is usually more effective

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Showing vs Telling

1. What does “telling” mean?

2. What does “showing” mean?

3. Why showing is usually more effective

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account