Subtexting
When should a writer worry about subtexting? Is it important?
Subtexting adds layers and depth to a story, well at least to the characters. Subtexting is that hidden psychological meaning behind what is said or done by a character. It's all about history. The more history a character has with another character the deeper the subtext between them will be. Each minor argument or conflict will have years of history and arguments behind it. The trick is figuring out how to get that subtext out and onto the page.
You can do this through action, reaction, a few chosen words, mannerisms, inner monologue, the playing with a prop, and symbolism.
What in the scene can symbolize the subtextual meaning of this scene, for example.
Or what is the character really thinking at that moment?
Or does a certain word evoke a particular memory for one character?
Or does one character seem to over react to what is being said?
Answering 'why' can help you find the subtext. You may even go back and create a history between two characters to make the scene more lively.
Subtexting adds layers and depth to a story, well at least to the characters. Subtexting is that hidden psychological meaning behind what is said or done by a character. It's all about history. The more history a character has with another character the deeper the subtext between them will be. Each minor argument or conflict will have years of history and arguments behind it. The trick is figuring out how to get that subtext out and onto the page.
You can do this through action, reaction, a few chosen words, mannerisms, inner monologue, the playing with a prop, and symbolism.
What in the scene can symbolize the subtextual meaning of this scene, for example.
Or what is the character really thinking at that moment?
Or does a certain word evoke a particular memory for one character?
Or does one character seem to over react to what is being said?
Answering 'why' can help you find the subtext. You may even go back and create a history between two characters to make the scene more lively.
posted by Victoria at 10:40 AM
2 Comments:
I often wonder what authors do when critics, readers and interviewers find subtext in writing that isn't supposed to be there. Would you nod sagely and agree, then enter into an intelligent discussion of the deeper meaning or do you disagree? Sometimes when I write I later find subtext that I didn't put in my writing. Or is someone secretly controlling us...?
Dr. Schmidt,
I have enjoyed reading all three of your instructional books. I am currently involved with the VBIAM group and find it to be well structured and very helpful in setting and maintaining goals in a reachable manner. Thanks for passing on this invaluable information to those of us who would be struggling without it. As you state many times, you have written books that contain the information you couldn't find elsewhere. Again, thank you for being so helpful and reachable.
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