Meaning of show, don't tell | Babel Free

Definitions

Advice to writers: convey an impression by the way that events are described in the narrative, and not by explicitly stating facts.

Equivalents

Examples

“The second flaw is a flagrant violation of “show, don't tell.” Don't tell readers that she's sad and he's mad. Show the reader what they do. Worst of all, don't do both!”

“In “Steve Jobs,” Oscar-winning writer Aaron Sorkin “Sorkins” the hell out of an unconventional adaptation of Walter Isaacson’s best-selling biography by daring to break the cardinal rule of show don’t tell.”

CEFR level