Subtext

By georgelthomas on 29 Apr 2025 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I’m exploring the concept of subtext and how using it can enrich your stories.

Subtext

Have you ever read a story where the most poignant moments weren’t about what was explicitly said but what lingered beneath the surface? That’s the magic of subtext. It’s like the unspoken undercurrent of a conversation or scene.

What Is Subtext?

Subtext is the implicit meaning behind a character’s words, actions, or the events of a story. It’s what’s happening beneath the surface, the emotional undercurrent or unspoken truths that aren’t directly stated but felt.

Think of subtext as the iceberg beneath the waterline — only a portion is visible, but the rest of its mass lies below. Subtext engages readers by allowing them to read between the lines and arrive at their own conclusions.

For example:

A character saying, “I’m fine,” while their body language screams the opposite, reveals subtext.
Tense silence in a conversation can convey more about a relationship than pages of dialogue.
A seemingly mundane action, for example, reorganizing a bookshelf, can hint at inner turmoil or obsessive behaviour.

Subtext thrives on implication, nuance, and suggestion.

Why Subtext Matters

It Adds Depth to Your Writing
Subtext gives your story layers. It makes characters feel more realistic, relationships more dynamic, and themes more complex. Readers love discovering hidden meanings, and subtext allows them to engage actively with your story.

It Creates Emotional Impact
People rarely say what they mean in real life, especially during emotionally charged moments. By mirroring this in your writing, you create tension, authenticity, and an emotional pull that resonates deeply.

It Keeps Readers Hooked
Subtext builds intrigue. When readers sense there’s more to a scene than meets the eye, they’ll want to keep reading, searching for clues to uncover the entire picture.

How to Use Subtext Effectively

Here are some practical ways to incorporate subtext into your writing:

Through Dialogue
As I pointed out above, dialogue is one of the best places to use subtext because real people often avoid saying what they mean, relying instead on hints, euphemisms, or indirectness. Your characters should do the same.

For example:

Explicit: “I don’t want to go to that party ’cause I know my ex will be there, and it’ll hurt.”
Subtextual: “Oh, the party? I forgot about that. Too much going on this week anyway.”

The second example hints at the character’s reluctance without spelling it out, leaving the reader to pick up on the emotional undercurrents.

Through Action
More often than not, actions speak louder than words. A character’s behaviour can reveal their feelings, motives, or secrets without them ever saying a word.

For example:

Instead of telling readers, “John felt nervous,” show John fidgeting with his tie, avoiding eye contact, or drumming his fingers on the table. Subtext emerges as readers piece together what these actions signify.

Through Setting and Symbolism
The environment and objects in a story can carry subtext, reflecting characters’ emotions or themes.

For example:

A meticulously clean kitchen might hint at a character’s need for control or fear of chaos. A withered plant in a sunlit window could symbolize a failing relationship or forgotten dreams.

Through What’s Left Unsaid
Sometimes, the best subtext comes from silence. A lack of dialogue, an interrupted sentence, or a subject change can speak volumes about a character’s feelings and motives.

For example:

If a character hesitates when asked a straightforward question — “Where did you go last night?” — their pause can reveal guilt, fear, or conflict.

Through Relationships
Subtext often emerges naturally in character dynamics. Power struggles, unspoken love, or hidden resentment can show in the smallest gestures or seemingly casual remarks.

For example:

Two characters in love might avoid eye contact, brushing their hands briefly instead of admitting their feelings outright, the tension and yearning shown through their actions, not their words.

Through Contradiction
Human beings are full of contradictions — what we say isn’t always what we feel, and what we desire isn’t always what we do. Lean into those contradictions in your characters to create compelling subtext.

For example:

If a character claims to have moved on from their ex but still keeps their old letters tucked in a drawer, their actions tell a different story. This push-and-pull of words versus reality keeps the reader curious and emotionally engaged.

Word choice matters, too. Using a clinical tone over a compassionate one could reveal a character’s detachment, or swapping out one word for another with undertones could change the mood entirely.

Practising Subtext in Your Writing

To hone your subtext skills:

Observe Real Life: Pay attention to how people communicate beyond their words. Think about tone, body language, silences, and actions.
Revise with Subtext in Mind: In your drafts, look for places where explicit explanations might replaced with subtle hints or implications.
Trust Your Readers: Subtext requires leaving things unsaid. Let your readers connect the dots without over-explaining.

Mastering subtext takes time and experimentation. Start small — try writing a scene where two characters chat, but the real topic is left unsaid. Maybe they talk about their morning routine, but the tension stems from an unspoken breakup. Or try describing someone’s reaction to some news without explicitly stating their feelings.

With patience, practice and a little effort, you’ll master the art of subtext in no time.

Thank you, as always, for stopping by to read my post.

Until next time,

George