How Subtext Contributes to Creating the Atmosphere of a Story

Helga Schier — Tue, 28 May 2019 20:01:26 GMT

Current Revision posted to Creating Conflict by Helga Schier on 5/28/2019 8:01:26 PM

All human relationships have conflict and tension because of differing agendas. It is rare that two people are on exactly the same page, and most of the time each person’s differences are not explicitly stated. In a story, it's that underlying tension and the things unsaid that act as subtext. Editor Helga Schier believes subtext is a critical part of creating dynamic character relationships, which impact a story's atmosphere. She teaches that subtext can be created through dialogue that is intentionally on the surface, while using the narration to go deeper and reveal the truth. Even nonverbal expressions such as body language are powerful signifiers of subtext. Schier explains that whether the subtext is set up previously in the story or in a character’s backstory, most of what is unsaid has to be built into the story. Watch the clip below to learn more from Schier about how subtext can impact the depth and atmosphere of your story.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowSubtextContributestoCreatingtheAtmosphereofaStory.mp4

Tags: fiction, Subscriber, video

How Subtext Contributes to Creating the Atmosphere of a Story

Author Learning Center — Tue, 28 May 2019 18:02:32 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Creating Conflict by Author Learning Center on 5/28/2019 6:02:32 PM

All human relationships have conflict and tension because of differing agendas. It is rare that two people are on exactly the same page, and most of the time each person’s differences are not explicitly stated. In a story, it's that underlying tension and the things unsaid that act as subtext. Editor Helga Schier believes subtext is a critical part of creating dynamic character relationships, which impact a story's atmostphere. She teaches that subtext can be created through dialogue that is intentionally on the surface, while using the narration to go deeper and reveal the truth. Even nonverbal expressions such as body language are powerful signifiers of subtext. Schier explains that whether the subtext is set up previously in the story or in a character’s backstory, most of what is unsaid has to be built into the story. Watch the clip below to learn more from Schier about how subtext can impact the depth and atmosphere of your story.
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../HowSubtextContributestoCreatingtheAtmosphereofaStory.mp4