Subtext is one of the most potent tools in a writer’s arsenal. It refers to the underlying meaning or message that exists beneath the surface of the words on the page. It’s what characters mean, think, or feel without explicitly stating it.
Subtext adds depth, emotional connection, and complexity to a story. It invites readers to engage and interpret the layers beneath the dialogue and actions.
In this article, we’ll go over the concept of subtext, why it’s important, and how to use it effectively in your writing, supported by clear examples.
UNDERSTANDING SUBTEXT
At its core, subtext is the art of implication. Instead of telling the audience directly, subtext hints, nudges, and whispers, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
It’s the unspoken tension in a heated argument, the hesitant pause in a heartfelt confession, or the double meaning hidden in a simple phrase.
Subtext often works on emotional and psychological levels, creating richer characterizations and more engaging narratives.
When used well, it can:
Reveal Character: Show who a character truly is through their unsaid thoughts or conflicting actions.
Add Tension: Heighten conflict by layering hidden agendas and unspoken emotions.
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Engage Readers: Encourage readers to dig deeper and participate actively in uncovering meanings.
TYPES OF SUBTEXT
Subtext can be displayed in various forms, depending on the context and genre of your writing:
Emotional Subtext: Reflects emotions that are felt but not openly expressed. For instance, a character’s stiff posture and clipped responses might indicate anger or resentment despite their polite words.
Relational Subtext: Highlights dynamics between characters, such as hidden affection, rivalry, or mistrust. Imagine two teenage classmates exchanging seemingly mundane comments, but their tone and body language hint at deeper hostility.
Situational Subtext: Implies underlying circumstances or truths. For example, a seemingly innocent remark could reveal clues about a crime in a mystery.
Thematic Subtext: Adds layers of meaning related to the story’s themes. For instance, in “The Great Gatsby,” the green light symbolizes unfulfilled dreams and the elusive nature of the American Dream.
TECHNIQUES FOR CREATING SUBTEXT
Use Dialogue Wisely
Characters often speak with more than words—their silences, hesitations, and tone can say just as much.
To create subtext in dialogue:
-Imply, Don’t Say: Instead of saying, “I’m angry at you,” a character might say, “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”
-Leverage Word Choice: Subtext can arise from what is said and how it’s said. For example, a coach telling a player, “You’re doing fine,” might actually imply dissatisfaction, depending on the context.
-Include Subtext in Confessions: Characters often hide their true feelings. In “Pride and Prejudice,” Mr. Darcy’s initial proposal to Elizabeth is full of tension, as his words of love are sprinkled with condescension, creating a layered and engaging moment.
Show, Don’t Tell
Subtext thrives on implication. Use a character’s actions, body language, and surroundings to suggest their emotions or motivations.
For example:
-A character sitting at the edge of their chair, glancing at the clock every few seconds, communicates anxiety without stating it outright.
-In “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams, Blanche’s obsession with appearance and light hints at her fear of aging and losing beauty, revealing her deeper insecurities.
Exploit Context
Context can add layers of meaning to even the simplest interactions. A casual “See you later” takes on a different tone if the characters are in the middle of an argument or if one knows they might never meet again.
Incorporate Symbolism
Symbolism can create subtext by associating objects, colors, animals, or settings with deeper meanings. In “The Godfather,” oranges are subtly used as a motif to foreshadow death, adding a layer of tension whenever they appear.
Use Contrast
Subtext can emerge when there’s a stark difference between what a character says and what they do. For example, a character claiming they’re over an ex while obsessively checking their social media demonstrates unresolved feelings through subtext.
EXAMPLES OF SUBTEXT IN PRACTICE
Dialogue Example:
Explicit: “I’m scared to go on stage.”
Subtext: “Do you think the audience will… even notice me?” (Here, the character’s fear is implied through their insecurity.)
Action Example:
Explicit: A character is described as nervous.
Subtext: The character wipes their palms on their jeans, avoids eye contact, and takes a deep breath before speaking.
Symbolism Example:
In "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, the caterpillar's journey through the week, eating different foods, could be seen as a metaphor for a child's growth and development, with the transformation into a butterfly representing a significant life change.
Symbolism in children’s stories can appear in elements that seem simple on the surface, such as objects, colors, animals, and even character traits, but have deeper meanings.
Another example is "The Wizard of Oz.” The yellow brick road symbolizes the journey towards achieving one's goals, while the ruby slippers represent the power of home and belonging.
WHY SUBTEXT MATTERS
Subtext transforms your writing from literal to layered, making it more engaging and authentic. It respects the reader’s intelligence, allowing them to uncover hidden meanings and connect emotionally with the story.
Whether you're writing a chapter book, novel, screenplay, or short story, mastering subtext can elevate your work, making it more memorable and impactful.
FINAL TIPS ON USING SUBTEXT
Practice Observation: Pay attention to real-life conversations and behaviors to learn how people communicate in hidden or less obvious ways.
Read Between the Lines: Study works by skilled writers known for their subtext, such as Ernest Hemingway or Tennessee Williams.
Revise for Subtlety: When working on a draft, identify where you might be overly explicit and rewrite to hint rather than tell.
Balance Subtext and Clarity: Ensure your subtext doesn’t become so obscure that readers miss it entirely.
Subtext is the heartbeat of compelling storytelling. By weaving in unspoken layers of meaning, you’ll create richer, more meaningful narratives that linger in the readers’ minds long after they’ve turned the final page.
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