Here's a breakdown:
* Telling: The writer directly states information about characters, setting, or plot. This can be too straightforward and leave little room for the reader to engage.
* Showing: The writer uses vivid descriptions, dialogue, actions, and sensory details to allow the reader to experience the story through their own imagination.
By showing rather than telling, the writer can:
* Create a more immersive experience: Readers become actively involved in the story.
* Enhance the impact of details: Unnecessary details are omitted, highlighting only the most important elements.
* Allow for more ambiguity and interpretation: Readers are free to draw their own conclusions and fill in the gaps, adding to the richness of the story.
Here's an example:
Telling: "The man was angry."
Showing: "His jaw clenched, veins pulsing in his neck. His hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white."
The second example uses imagery and action to show the man's anger, letting the reader infer the emotion rather than simply stating it. This creates a stronger and more engaging reading experience.