What is subtext?
The underlying meanings and themes conveyed through a character's words and actions.
Sneaky Messages: Understanding Subtext in Creative Writing
Subtext refers to the implicit meanings and themes that are conveyed through a character's words and actions, often in contradiction to their explicit statements or behavior.
For example, a character may say 'I'm fine' when asked how they're doing, but their body language or actions may reveal that they're actually upset or hiding something. This creates a layer of complexity and richness to the story, allowing readers to infer deeper meanings and motivations beyond what is explicitly stated.
Understanding subtext is crucial in crafting believable characters and engaging stories, as it helps to reveal their true intentions and emotions. It also adds depth and nuance to dialogue, making conversations feel more realistic and dynamic.
Subtext is a powerful tool used to create depth and nuance in literary works, from novels to plays to poems.
In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, the character of Mayella Ewell, who accuses Tom Robinson of rape, is revealed to have a crush on him and is likely pressured by her abusive father to lie about the incident.
In Hamlet, the titular character is plagued by his indecision and inability to take action, mirroring the broader themes of inaction and indecisiveness that run throughout the play.