Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Rule #7: Show, Don't Tell
This is a golden rule of both literature and fi lm. “Telling” means the use of exposition or
description without engaging the emotional or sensory experiences of the character. Showing
means to make clearly evident, by the appearance, behavior, action, or reaction, the emo-
tional experience of the character.
Example:
Telling: As a captive princess screams for help, a young dragon prepares to defeat the
approaching knights. At fi rst he is victorious, but then one clever knight rescues the
princess.
Showing: When the princess screams for help, a young dragon's muscles tighten as he
braces himself against the attack of the black knight. Blowing fl ames from his nose, he
plucks the knight from the saddle of his steed and fl ings him joyously in the air. With one
good whack of his tail, he sends the knight over the side of the cliff. His victorious roar
is cut short by a second knight riding between his legs. He panics, and turns only to fi nd
the princess has been rescued! He cowers as his sleeping father awakes to the chaos.
This isn't just more description. It includes both the emotional and visceral reactions of the
dragon.
Ritterschlag
, directed by Sven
Martin, Filmakademie Baden-
Wuerttemberg, Germany
