Methods for modely subtext in a word of art

3. Get physical

You can use your character's body language to express meaning beyond the spoken word.
In this scene from Frasier, there’s a lot of subtext happening. For this example I want you to notice what both Daphne and Niles are saying without words while she rubs cream on his burn.
Their reaction to Martin’s entrance confirms what we’re all thinking.

4. Contrast dialogue with action

Watch this example from When Harry Met Sally. Which speaks louder—Sally’s words or action?
When you pair strong dialogue with contrasting action together, you're bound to stir the same emotions in your reader as you do in the characters.

5. Say it without saying it

A great example of this technique is from Crazy, Stupid Love. I especially like Steve Carell’s last line: “I don’t want you to blow up the house,” because what he’s really saying is he doesn’t want her to blow up their family.

6. Mask the emotion

Ingrid Bergman’s hiding a whole lot of subtext in this clip from Casablanca, and a lot of it is going toward masking her overwhelming emotions.
Just like people do in real life, showing how your characters try to cover up or pretend like they're not feeling something that they are feeling is a great way to include subtext.

7. Answer a question with a question

Here’s a quick and humorous example from Tootsie where the viewer can interpret the meaning behind the cameraman’s question and get a kick out of it.
Now that you’re more aware of subtext and know how to create it in your scenes, watch for opportunities to deepen the impact of your stories by using these techniques.
Remember the two situations when it really fits the bill—when the emotional stakes are too high for directness and when you want the reader to be an active participant in the scene.Like all skills, writing subtext requires practice, so be sure to look for examples in the stories you read, as well as the movies and TV shows you view.
Use the writing tips from this article to help you develop subtext in your own work. It’s well worth your time and effort!
How about you? Do you enjoy reading a scene with subtext? Do you see how it makes you a participant in the story? Tell us about it in the comments.