How Could You Tell?
Find a way to let people know what is happening without actually saying it.
‘Right away!’ at Highley station on the Severn Valley Railway.
Introduction
‘Show, don’t tell’ is one of the first rules of good story-telling. Rather than make bald statements about a person or situation, the author assigns actions or dialogue to his characters from which the reader infers facts that he has not been explicitly told — much more satisfying for everyone. How would you show (without actually saying in so many words) the following?
In describing people, you may choose to picture a person of either sex, as you think appropriate.
How could you tell?
1.
That a man was old.
Stoop.
Shuffle.
Grey.
2.
That a horse was underfed.
Rib.
Hang.
Dull.
3.
That a bull was angry.
Snort.
Ground.
Stamp.
4.
That a number of people were plotting.
Whisper.
Head.
Pore.
5.
That a train was about to leave.
Whistle.
Flag.
Door.
6.
That a goal had just been scored.
Cheer.
Punch.
Hug.
7.
That a man was late for an appointment.
Run.
Watch.
Push.
8. That it was springtime.
9. That there had been a loud noise.
10. That a football pitch was unplayable.
11. That a room had been left in a hurry.
12. That a man was popular.
13. That it was a windy day.
14. That two people were quarrelling.
15. That it was early morning.
16. That a room had been thoroughly searched.
17. That a man was worried.
18. That two friends had not met for many years.
19. That a book was someone’s favourite reading.
20. That a remark was funny but not tactful.
21. That a speaker was not holding his audience’s attention.
22. That a man had been fighting.
23. That a man had received bad news.
24. That a child was bored.
25. That a man was having trouble with his motorbike.
26. That a man was offended.
