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    Notes On Creating SUBTEXT in Dialogue

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    grahamegladin
    Subtext refers to the deeper, implicit meanings and emotions that underlie dialogue and character actions that are not directly stated. Convincing characters often communicate through subtext rather than directly stating what they mean as they may lie, be vague, protect themselves, or avoid humiliation. Subtext adds authenticity to interactions by reflecting how people naturally communicate through implicit meanings and while processing multiple stimuli and concerns. Effective use of subtext aims to make the audience feel meanings before fully understanding them intellectually.

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    Notes On Creating SUBTEXT in Dialogue

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    grahamegladin
    457 views9 pages
    Subtext refers to the deeper, implicit meanings and emotions that underlie dialogue and character actions that are not directly stated. Convincing characters often communicate through subtext rather than directly stating what they mean as they may lie, be vague, protect themselves, or avoid humiliation. Subtext adds authenticity to interactions by reflecting how people naturally communicate through implicit meanings and while processing multiple stimuli and concerns. Effective use of subtext aims to make the audience feel meanings before fully understanding them intellectually.

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    Explanatory notes on subtext

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    Notes on creating SUBTEXT in dialogue

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    Subtext refers to the deeper, implicit meanings and emotions that underlie dialogue and character actions that are not directly stated. Convincing characters often communicate through subtext rather than directly stating what they mean as they may lie, be vague, protect themselves, or avoid humiliation. Subtext adds authenticity to interactions by reflecting how people naturally communicate through implicit meanings and while processing multiple stimuli and concerns. Effective use of subtext aims to make the audience feel meanings before fully understanding them intellectually.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PPSX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as ppsx, pdf, or txt
    457 views9 pages

    Notes On Creating SUBTEXT in Dialogue

    Uploaded by

    grahamegladin
    Subtext refers to the deeper, implicit meanings and emotions that underlie dialogue and character actions that are not directly stated. Convincing characters often communicate through subtext rather than directly stating what they mean as they may lie, be vague, protect themselves, or avoid humiliation. Subtext adds authenticity to interactions by reflecting how people naturally communicate through implicit meanings and while processing multiple stimuli and concerns. Effective use of subtext aims to make the audience feel meanings before fully understanding them intellectually.

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    Working with SUBTEXT

    Whats beneath the text?

    Subtext is
    Subtext is the deeper meaning in your dialogue, action, characters, scene, and plot. Content underneath the spoken dialogue

    Under dialogue, there can be conflict, anger, competition, pride, showing off, or other implicit ideas and emotions.

    The unspoken thoughts and motives of characterswhat they really think and believe.

    Convincing characters
    dont always just come right out and say what they mean: They can lie.. They can be vague.. They can beat around the bush.. Theyll often try to protect themselves.. Theyll often try not to disgrace themselves.. Theyll often try not to humiliate themselves.. Theyll often try not to let the person they are speaking to know what theyre thinking. Theyll often try not to let on that they know as much as they know

    Not all speech is direct


    As humans, we often dont articulate our thoughts exactly. Were thinking on our feet as we talk, processing other stimuli, like body language, and struggling with our own concerns and emotions as well as those of the listener.

    In fiction, this kind of miscommunication can add authenticity, create dramatic tension, and even reveal deeper truths.

    An example
    On the nose (direct) dialogue: Man: "How are you? Woman: "Fine.
    V.s. Off the nose (subtext) dialogue: Man: "How are you? Woman:"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

    Everyones a Subtext creator


    Consider examples of your own

    Aim for the heart


    The power of Subtext Letting the audience discover meaning through the heart before they understand it through the head.

    On the nose dialogue aims at the head, at understanding.


    Subtext aims at the heart, at feeling. It is more powerful writing to make your audience feel first and understand second

    Points to remember
    Its about balance:
    On the nose has its place but too much means the same to everyone. Subtext can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people Screenwriting = The 1st stage of a collaborative process Give your actors, directors Something to work with SHARE the secrets of your characters with your audience

    Find an example of your own


    Pick a film clip of your choice Pay close attention to the dialogue See if you can note the difference between on the nose and Subtext

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