Crafting Visual Stories: Show, Don’t Tell Tips.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in writing, that picture is your scene. But how do you translate that image into words, transporting your reader directly into the heart of your story?

Who among us hasn’t received that dreaded feedback: “Show, don’t tell”? It’s a constant refrain in writing workshops and editorial notes. I still remember the frustration I felt when I first tried to adapt my story into a screenplay. Turning thoughts into actions and showing what was happening proved to be a monumental challenge. I thought I was alone in this struggle until I met seasoned writers who shared their own battles with this ubiquitous note.

To help you navigate this common pitfall, here are 7 ways to stop the struggle.

7 Ways to Master the Art of “Show, Don’t Tell”.

#1 – Engage the Senses – Let your reader experience the world through your characters’ eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and fingertips.

Engaging the senses is your secret weapon in creating vivid scenes.

Sight – Paint a picture with descriptive language. Instead of saying, “The forest was dark,” describe the gnarled branches reaching toward the dusky sky, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, or the bioluminescent mushrooms glowing on the forest floor, as seen in “Avatar” (2009).

Sound – Immerse your reader in the soundscape. Describe the rhythmic chirping of crickets on a summer night, the deafening roar of a crowd at a football game, or the unsettling silence of a deserted building.

Smell – Evoke specific scents to create an atmosphere. Freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery, the metallic tang of blood, or the salty spray of the ocean air can transport your reader. Consider the evocative scent descriptions in “ Perfume : The Story of a Murderer ” (2006).

Taste – Taste descriptions can be powerful. Describe the sweetness of ripe berries, the bitterness of black coffee, or the metallic tang of fear in a character’s mouth.

Touch: Let your reader feel the textures of your world. Describe the soft caress of a loved one’s hair, the rough bark of an ancient tree, or the cold, clammy grip of fear.

Remember, don’t overload your reader with all five senses at once. Choose the details that will have the most impact on your scene and the character’s emotions.

For example, in “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), the desolate wasteland isn’t just described as “hot.” We see Max catching his breath in the shimmering heat, tasting the grit on his tongue during a dust storm, and hearing the creak of his leather gear.

#2 – Action Speaks Louder – Characters’ actions and reactions reveal their personalities and motivations more effectively than words alone.

Actions Driven by Emotion – Let your characters’ actions reflect their emotional state. Is a character constantly fidgeting and avoiding eye contact? They might be nervous or anxious. Does a character volunteer to help a stranger even when it’s inconvenient? That shows compassion and selflessness.

Contradictions Between Words and Deeds – A character’s actions can contradict their words, creating tension. A character who claims to be a loyal friend but gossips behind someone’s back reveals a deceitful side.

Body Language – Physical actions and mannerisms can be incredibly expressive. A clenched jaw might indicate anger, while crossed arms can show defensiveness. Pay attention to the subtle details of your character’s body language.

Habits and Routines – A character’s daily habits can reveal a lot about their personality. Does a character meticulously clean their apartment? This might show a need for control. Does another character wake up at dawn to go for a run? This suggests discipline and a focus on health.

Actions Define Character Arcs – A character’s choices drive the plot forward and shape their character arc. Does a character overcome their fears and stand up to a bully? This shows growth and courage. Does a character make a selfish decision that has negative consequences? This reveals a flaw they need to learn from.

In “The Girl on the Train” (2015), Rachel’s messy apartment, cluttered with empty wine bottles, subtly hints at her struggles with alcoholism without needing to be explicitly stated.

#3 – Dialogue that Reveals – Dialogue can move the plot forward and showcase personalities and relationships.

Subtext – Pay attention to what’s not being said. A character who avoids eye contact while answering a question might be hiding something. A seemingly innocuous comment delivered with a sarcastic tone can reveal underlying tension.

Voice and Diction – A character’s speech can tell you a lot about them. Does a character use formal language and complete sentences? This might suggest they’re educated or professional. Does another character pepper their speech with slang and contractions? This could show they’re more casual or from a specific background.

Choice of Words – A character’s specific words can be revealing. Does a character use flowery language to describe a situation? They might be trying to impress someone or mask their true feelings. Does another character use blunt and direct language? This suggests honesty or a lack of patience.

Emotional Triggers – Dialogue can showcase how characters react under pressure. Does a character become defensive when criticised? This shows insecurity. Does another character crack jokes to lighten a tense situation? This suggests they use humour as a coping mechanism.

One of my favourite examples of robust dialogue is in “Knives Out” (2019). The film’s sharp dialogue reveals the characters’ true nature and relationships, from deceit and greed to loyalty and love, without resorting to direct exposition.

#4 – Create Symbolic Scenes – Symbolic scenes enrich your storytelling, allowing you to convey complex ideas and themes subtly and effectively.

Introduce Symbols Subtly – Introduce symbols organically. They should enhance the narrative without overwhelming it or feeling contrived.

Develop Recurring Symbols – Use recurring symbols to reinforce themes and create cohesion.
Repetition can strengthen the symbol’s impact and significance.

Layer Meanings – Create multifaceted symbols that can be interpreted in various ways. This allows different readers to find unique meanings and connections.

Evolve Symbols Over Time – Let symbols evolve alongside your characters and plot. Their changing meanings can reflect growth and transformation.

In “The Shape of Water” (2017), water is a constant presence, from the laboratory tanks to the rain-drenched streets, symbolising fluidity, transformation, and connection. This layered symbolism reflects the film’s themes of love and acceptance, transcending physical and societal boundaries.

#5 – Details that Paint a Picture – Adding specific details is like wielding a fine paintbrush in your writing, building a rich and vibrant picture in your reader’s mind.

Specificity over Generality – Instead of saying “a large house,” describe the chipped paint on the Victorian porch swing, the overgrown rose bushes clinging to the weathered brick facade, or the ornately carved wooden door with a tarnished brass knocker.

Focus on the Unique – Highlight details that make your scene or object stand out. Describe the cacophony of languages in a bustling marketplace, the colourful spices piled high in open sacks, and the stray cat weaving between people’s legs.

Details that Reveal Character – Use details to show your character’s personality. Does a character wear mismatched socks and a wrinkled shirt? This might hint at absentmindedness or a lack of concern for appearances. Does their workspace prominently display inspirational quotes and awards? This suggests ambition and a drive for success.

Use Figurative Language – Use similes and metaphors to elevate your descriptive details. For example, instead of saying, “The fire crackled,” you could say, “The fire crackled like a chorus of tiny fireflies.” This creates a more vivid image and adds a touch of creativity to your writing.

In “Her” (2013), the film doesn’t just tell us Theodore is lonely—it shows us his sparsely furnished apartment with its muted colour palette and lack of personal belongings, the way he eats microwaved dinners alone at his desk, and the way he hesitantly reaches out to touch Samantha’s disembodied voice. These details paint a picture of a man yearning for connection in a world increasingly dominated by technology.

#6 – Show Internal Conflict Visually – Depicting a character’s internal conflict in a real and engaging way can make your narrative more dynamic and emotionally resonant.

Use Physical Surroundings – A character’s environment can reflect their inner turmoil. Clutter, chaos, or changes in setting can symbolise a character’s mental state.

Body Language and Facial Expressions – Subtle cues like fidgeting, tense posture, or avoidance of eye contact can reveal a lot about a character’s internal struggle.

Depict Actions and Reactions – A character’s decisions, hesitations, or repetitive behaviours can illustrate internal conflict. Showing their reactions to certain situations can provide insight into their emotional state.

Show Changes in Appearance – A character’s physical transformation over time can reflect their internal journey. Changes in attire, grooming, or health can signify shifts in their mental state.

Use Contrasting Scenes – Juxtapose contrasting scenes to highlight a character’s inner conflict. This technique can show the dichotomy between what they feel internally and how they present themselves externally.

In “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” (2017) by Gail Honeyman, Eleanor’s stark, meticulously ordered apartment mirrors her emotional isolation and rigid control over her life. The pristine environment contrasts with her chaotic inner world, filled with trauma and loneliness. As Eleanor begins to heal, her living space becomes more inviting and less sterile, reflecting her gradual opening up to new experiences and relationships.

#7 – Leverage Setting to Reflect Mood – A story’s setting is more than just a backdrop; it can be a powerful tool to reflect and enhance the narrative’s mood.

Match the Setting to the Emotional Tone – Choose settings that naturally align with the mood you want to convey. A dark, stormy night can reflect a sense of foreboding or despair, while a sunny, bustling street might evoke a feeling of joy and excitement.

Use Weather and Seasons – Weather and seasonal changes can significantly influence the atmosphere. Rain, snow, and heat waves can all evoke different emotional responses.

Change Settings to Reflect Character Arcs – As characters grow and change, shifting the settings can highlight these transformations. For example, moving from a dark, cramped space to a bright, open one can symbolise personal growth and newfound freedom.

Create Contrast – Contrasting settings can highlight mood changes or emphasise particular themes. For example, a sudden shift from a peaceful to a chaotic environment can underscore a narrative turning point.

Integrate Cultural and Historical Context – The cultural and historical context of a setting can add layers of meaning, influencing the mood by providing a deeper understanding of the characters’ backgrounds and the societal pressures they face.

In “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty (2014), the serene coastal setting contrasts with the characters’ tumultuous lives. As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, the once-idyllic setting becomes a place of danger and deceit, reflecting the characters’ shifting perceptions and relationships.

In Conclusion – “Show, don’t tell” transforms narratives into living, breathing worlds. By integrating these techniques, writers can create compelling visual narratives that draw readers and viewers deep into the story. 

Now it’s YOUR turn – What are some of your favourite examples of ‘show, don’t tell’ in literature or film? 

Would love to get your input in the comment box below.

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