Show, not tell : a narrative exploration

Abstract

Writing a novel is more than having characters do something and creating a story arc. A novel also entails developing the characters themselves, and making sure the reader knows why the character is doing what they are doing. An easier way to write a novel would be to instruct the reader that the character has a certain attribute or is a certain way. This can sometimes lead to feelings of confusion and resentment from the reader, who feels led blindly to a certain conclusion or feeling about a character. In the ensuing pages, I attempt to show that each character has certain attributes, allowing the reader to come to their own conclusions and feelings. This is not a full novel. Instead, it is the major plot points that would lead to character development, followed by explanations of what each plot point should have shown the reader.