How to Write Subtext

By September C. Fawkes, @ SeptCFawkes

What it is:

Subtext can be a tricky topic to nail down. It often feels
elusive, undefined, and sometimes something that “just happens.” But it’s also
one of the most effective writing skills to develop.

Subtext is everything that is conveyed to the audience but
not stated directly on the page. It’s what is not said. The “sub” in
“subtext,” implies that it’s “underneath” the text itself—like reading between
the lines, so to speak.

Here is an example of subtext:

Robert, not bothering to raise his hand, spouted out an
inappropriate joke.

“Robert, I don't want to hear that kind of language
in my class,” Mr. Henderson said, but the ends of his lips twitched up.
“That's very offensive.” He failed to suppress a full-blown grin. 

Here, we can tell that the teacher found whatever Robert
said funny, but neither he nor the narrator comes out and tells the reader
that. Instead it's implied by his body language and behavior–what he doesn't
say. What Mr. Henderson actually says to Robert is at odds with how Mr.
Henderson acts.

Chances are that this example is a lot more interesting and
entertaining than one where Mr. Henderson was being straightforward.

Why Use Subtext?

One of the most powerful things about subtext is that it draws
the audience in by inviting them to be a participator of the story, not just a
spectator. While spectating a story may be somewhat interesting, participating
in one is much more riveting. As writers, we get the audience to participate
when we invite them to draw conclusions from the text—about what’s not directly
stated.

Subtext is also realistic—it happens in real life all the
time. Whether or not we want to admit it, whether or not we are even conscious
of it, we all have things we don't want others to know about us. All of our
characters do too. Using subtext makes our characters and story feel more
well-rounded and authentic.

Similarly, often when we feel the most intense emotions is
when we are most indirect. When we communicate our feelings directly, we lose
tension. It's what is not being said that creates tension. Same goes for your
story. Subtext creates anticipation and apprehension, keeping readers
interested because of what's boiling under the surface.

Often you can escalate the subtext to escalate tension.

How it Works and How to Write it

If subtext isn’t on the page itself, then that means it
happens within the audience.

But in order for it to happen within the audience, there
must be something on the page for them to read more meaning into.

So how do we create that?

Here are some tips and features to help:

Connotations – Some words are charged with powerful
connotations, an associated idea or feeling. For example, by dictionary
definition, all these words mean essentially the same thing: “stubborn,”
“steadfast,” “tenacious,” “strong-willed,” and “ornery.” But they all have
different feelings associated with them. Calling someone “ornery” is different
than calling someone “steadfast.” How one character describes something can
imply their view through subtext.

Implication – If subtext happens within the audience,
then that means the text must use implication.

Subtext is a balancing act. That's one of the reasons why
it's so tricky to master. We need to imply something strong enough for the reader
to pick up on, without going overboard or saying it straight out.

So we have to be very careful with our word choices and
phrases. We have to have full control over language.

Let's say we want to show that our character, Jasmine,
thinks that our protagonist, Shelly, is incompetent, and we want it to be
subtext. We don't want to come out and say that Jasmine thinks this because
it's more powerful if we imply it.

“You wouldn't know this, but I don't do much writing
anymore,” Jasmine said. “Those days are over. I use what are called
ghost writers, Shelly. People I hire to do the writing for me. I like to sit
back and brainstorm a few concepts with a glass of champagne. Do you know what
‘brainstorming' is?”

“Yes,” Shelly said.

Jasmine simpered. “You're smarter than I was
expecting.”

Jasmine went to Shelly's bookcase and picked up Elements
of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White. “This is one of the best
guides to learning how to write,” Jasmine explained to Shelly, though
Shelly had read the book five times. “It's been a bestseller for decades.
Did you know that?”

See how phrases and word choices imply that Jasmine thinks
Shelly is stupid? See how the question “Do you know what ‘brainstorming'
is?” is like a slap in the face?

That is implication.

Contradictions – Subtext happens when the audience
tries to make sense of contradictions, of one sort or another.

In my example above, the context can help set up the
contradictions. The audience goes into the scene knowing that both characters
are professional writers. And yet, they witness Jasmine talking to Shelly like
Shelly knows nothing about the writing industry. Why would Jasmine do that?
They are both writers. “Oh,” the audience says (if only on a
subconscious level), “because Jasmine thinks Shelly is incompetent, below
her.”

The audience finishes the subtext. They draw conclusions
from between the lines.

When you put together things that seem to be slight
contradictions, it alerts the reader that there must be something more going on
here.

Consider my example in the very beginning. What Mr.
Henderson says is at odds with what he does—smiles.

It’s helpful to remember that the body doesn’t usually lie.
The body language and the inner thoughts of a character trump anything that is
said directly—generally speaking (as there are a few exceptions).

Specific Uses

The Unreliable Narrator – Subtext is how writers
craft unreliable narrators. It happens when what the narrator says seems to
contradict what plays out, cluing the audience in to the fact that this
viewpoint may not be completely trustworthy.

“Blind” Characters – You can also use subtext to show
when characters are blind (as in ignorant or naive or unaware) to something.
They might be blinded by inexperience. They might by blinded by an emotional
attachment, like love or admiration. Or maybe they are just a bit dimwitted.

Dramatic Irony – Subtext can be used to create
dramatic irony—where the audience gleans something the characters don’t. In
some cases, this can lead to powerful revelations for the readers—after all, they
are the ones experiencing the revelation, not the characters. It can also
further kick up tension.

Humor – Usually the most effective jokes in writing are the ones where the audience finishes the joke themselves. Meaning, the story sets it up, and as the audience makes sense of it, they find the “punch line.” 

Tips for Writing Subtext from @SeptCFawkes :
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Sometimes I scare people with my enthusiasm for writing and
reading. People may say I need to get a social life. It'd be easier if my
fictional one wasn't so interesting. I have worked in the fiction-writing
industry for over eight years and have been editing stories for longer. I have
edited for both award-winning and best-selling authors and have worked on
manuscripts written for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers. Today I
work as a freelance editor, and you can find my editing services here: https://www.fawkesediting.com/ I also run an
award-winning writing tip blog: https://www.septembercfawkes.com/

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