Significant moments in your narrative should be slowed down and observed closely. At these times, you want to show what is happening rather than simply telling about it. Instead of telling your readers that your friend was angry, show his narrowed eyes and let them hear his sharp words. Use sensory-rich descriptions and strong verbs to show feelings.
Another way of showing is through dialogue, letting your readers hear the exact words of the people you write about. Use dialogue sparingly and at significant moments for the strongest effect.
Examine these examples:
Telling:
When I got up the courage to confront my roommate about using my things without my permission, I could tell that she was really hurt at first. Then she became angry and stormed out of the room. I am not sure things will ever be the same between us.
Showing:
I took a deep breath. Isobel, if you are going to borrow my things, please ask first. The shirt I wanted to wear today is dirty because you wore it and didnt even bother to mention it to me.
Her face fell. I thought we were friends. You can borrow anything of mine, anytime, no questions asked.
But I dont, I said. I try to be considerate, and I want the same from you.
She snatched up her car keys and headed for the door. Fine! she yelled. If thats the way you feel, Ill never ask you for anything.
As the door slammed behind her, I wondered if things would ever be the same between us.
The dialogue here really helps to show rather than tell.
There are, however, a few good arguments for telling, at least once in a while. The best is simple brevity. Showing almost always takes a good deal more words than does telling, and if an event is comparatively unimportant, you may want to mention it only in passing. (Of course if its really unimportant, you should probably consider simply leaving it out.) Likewise, if a character is recounting events with which the reader is already well-familiar, you may want to gloss over it with a tell line:
Jane explained what had happened.
You might decide that allowing the reader to hear some or all of the familiar events in Janes voice is worth repeating what the reader already knows, in which case go for it. If not, this quick line gets the job done and allows you to move on to more immediate, active scenes.
Write a passage (about 150 words) that uses showing techniques to develop character and/or mood. Some telling suggestions are listed below, but you do not have to use any of these.
Suggestions:
1) She is a talented musician.
2) I was embarrassed.
3) The drive in the car was uncomfortable.
4) He looked guilty.
5) They lived happily ever after.
6) My grandmother looked sad.
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