Dialogue carries meaning beyond what is spoken; it conveys a deeper understanding. The unspoken weight of words, the hidden information beneath the surface, is the realm of subtext. In this blog post, we’ll explore its power and methods of action.

Why Understanding Subtext in Dialogue Matters

Subtext is the soul of dialogue. It is the very reason we communicate, to express deeper and underlying emotions, even if we lack the proper vocabulary to translate them with complete accuracy. Subtext is imperative in the following:

• Reveal Character: Show a character’s feelings and motivations without explicitly stating them.
• Create Tension and Suspense: Hint at conflicts or secrets.
• Add Depth and Nuance: Layer the meaning of conversations to be multi-purpose.
• Engage the Reader: Invite the reader to study the text and infer hidden meanings.

The Subtext of Silence

Silence is not wasted space. When strategically used, quiet moments emotionally resonate with an audience.

1. Tension: A long pause can build anticipation.
   • Example: “Don’t you love me?” Molly asked. Carl stared at her with tight lips. She waited for an answer as the wind blew past them. 
2. Discomfort: An abrupt silence can signal awkwardness or hesitation.
   • Example: “So, I called your school and.” He chewed on his lip, realizing he was unprepared for the conversation.
3. Contemplation: A thoughtful pause. It can suggest deep thought or emotional difficulty.
   • Example: “Do you understand what I’m telling you?” Molly asked. Carl stared out the window, resting his cheek in his palm. His eyes followed the path of a falling leaf. Unlike him, it could fly free. Once it hit the ground, he turned to face her. “Yeah, of course,” he said.

4. Power dynamics: In particular situations, a superior can control the flow of conversation. This superior may decide when the conversation is initiated.
   • Example: The head of HR walked me into his office. My boss sat on his office chair with his feet on the desk. He spun a pen in one hand and covered his face with my corporate file in the other. The clock kept ticking behind him, but he said nothing. Every few seconds, he grunted while flipping through my record. Finally, he slowly lowered the folder and placed it beside him. “Do you mind explaining what the hell you were thinking?” he asked. 
5. Emotional Resonance: Silence can express a deep emotional response.
   • Example: “Do we have your permission?” The surgeon asked, holding out the consent forms. Josh’s mouth hung open, dry from the news. Only a wavering breath escaped his lips. He remembered his son’s smell. He thought of their last argument. He grieved for the graduation he would never attend. As his heart pounded, he imagined surgeons scavenging his son’s body for spare parts. “Sir…” The doctor insisted, inching closer with a pen. But Josh remained silent.

6. How to Annotate for Silence:
   • When annotating your work, pay close attention to descriptive text that indicates pauses. Note down reasons for the silence and how it affects the scene’s overall tone. Notice where you pause without an indication from the text. Those may be areas where a pause would naturally occur. Conversely, mark down where a pause is indicated, but choke the flow of conversation in an unnatural and non-thematic way.

Subtext and Body Language Cues: The Unspoken Language

Body language works in tandem with dialogue. In this section, we will briefly mention examples of body language.

• Agreement: Nodding while responding affirmatively reinforces your agreement.
• Disagreement: A grimace appearing on one’s face before saying, “You did not just say that,” shows a physical manifestation of opposition.
• Nervousness: Fidgeting hands or a shaky voice can portray anxiety.
• Anger: A clenched jaw and hostile gaze while someone says, “Try me, I dare you,” foreshadows the potential for violence.
• Intimacy: Decreasing the distance (proxemics) between two people and including a light touch could create a romantic tone.
  • Example: He leaned towards her until her heavy breath brushed against his lips. “Am I wasting my time, or are we finally going to get together?” He asked. She laced her fingers with his. Her throat tightened as she looked up at his lips. “I don’t know, but I hate seeing you with someone else,” she answered.

• Deception: There is no foolproof method to prove duplicity. When a character deviates from established behaviors and motivations, the likelihood of lying increases. A character may behave differently or use a louder, dramatized version of different emotions to disguise underlying feelings. Regardless of the cover-up, micro expressions may slip through.
  • Example: “Why on Earth would I be upset?” She paused to cross her arms and looked away. “I didn’t even like him anyway,” she finished, rubbing the sweater he bought against her cheek.

How to Annotate Body Language:

Note down any physical gestures or expressions. Decide what emotions or intentions they might convey. Consider how these nonverbal cues interact with the spoken words and if they function as intended. When revising dialogue, ensure that body language is mentioned, especially in areas of heavy conversation.

Subtext in Word Choice Nuances: The Power of Subtle Language

How words are spoken, along with their purpose, falls under subtext. Essential information may be concealed within word choice.

1. Formality: Using formal language can indicate respect towards a superior, discomfort upon first encounters, or passive aggression.
   • Example: “To reiterate my last email, as it seems to have caused confusion, all vaccination forms must be faxed. They will no longer be delivered.” Compared to, “You guys didn’t read my email because I explained this. We are faxing the forms now, not mailing them. Stop bringing them to the delivery room.”

2. Connotation: Using the associated understanding of language. Words have definitive meanings and connotative ones. These associated meanings influence audience perception.

Example (same context, different words):

“He bought the cheapest car. He says it was the smartest choice.”

• That sentence indicates the car is of low quality. It claims the cheap choice was the intelligent choice; perhaps any other vehicle would have become a future financial burden. The word choice has passive connotations, diminishing a person’s autonomy.

“He bought the most affordable car. He says it was the wisest decision.” 

• That sentence insinuates the car is of fair quality. Regarding the selection of vehicles, this one was the “wisest decision.” It influences the audience to believe that the buyer thought deeply before making an active decision.

Example (different context, same words): 

“I read the anonymous complaint and called Mary into my office. We had a very enlightening discussion on properly handling customer requests.”

• The word “discussion” has negative associations in this context. One can assume Mary was reprimanded.

“I called Mary into my office regarding the customer complaint. When we discovered it originated from an employee, we had a very enlightening discussion about interpersonal issues regarding a specific employee.” 

• In this context, Mary appears to be the victim. One can assume the “discussion” functioned in her favor.

3. Euphemisms: Using figurative or indirect language.
   • Example:
     • “Your grandma died this morning.” 
   • That statement is direct, cold, and harsh. 
     • “Your grandma passed away this morning.”
   • “Passed away” is figurative and softens the blow of death and gently eases someone into grief. 
4. Loaded questions: Using straightforward questions with an accusatory or judgmental undertone. These questions can also imply the answer to the question being posed.
   • Example: “You’re buying another pack of beer because you drank the other twelve from yesterday, aren’t you?”
5. Hedging: Using words to protect against commitment and failure. Maybe, perhaps, and possibly are all words that create uncertainty in ability.
   • Example: “When I clock out, I might be able to help you.”

How to Annotate Word Choice:

Consider the tone, the characters’ attitudes, the situational context, and the moment-to-moment motivations. Circle or highlight words that emphasize or detract from the intended atmosphere. If the words are in dialogue, ask why the character chose that particular word and what it implies.

Cultural and Contextual Subtext: Understanding the Unseen Influences

Cultural norms, social contexts, and relationships influence subtext. Context changes the meanings of words.

1. Cultural Differences: Cultures have specific forms of nonverbal communication. The human body can perform only a limited number of gestures comfortably and recognizably. Additionally, gestures may be interpreted differently based on one’s background.
   • Example: Looking directly into someone’s eyes may be disrespectful in certain cultures. Additionally, the physical distance between two people during conversation is also culturally dependent. A simple gesture, such as waving your hand with your palm facing outward, can be considered offensive.
2. Social Hierarchy: Communication styles can vary between superiors, strangers, and subordinates.
   • Example (Superior): 
     • “Excuse me, may I pass around you?”
   • Example (Stranger):
     • “Move! I’m walking here.”

3. Past Relationships: A seemingly mild comment can cause wild reactions if it refers to past conflicts.
   • Example: “When I open an email, I actually read it.”
     • The statement may seem insignificant, but it could lead to an argument.
4. Shared idioms or references: Using phrases or references that a specific group can appreciate.
   • Example: “I know what you did last summer.” 
     • That statement implies knowledge of a secret or significant event.

How to Annotate Cultural and Contextual Clues:

Note any details about the characters’ backgrounds, relationships, and settings. Consider how these factors alter the meaning of words and situations beyond simple dialogue.

Subtext and Internal Monologue Contrast: The Gap Between Words and Thoughts

Characters can lie! They can say the opposite of what they mean. This contrast between external dialogue and internal monologue can be a powerful tool to reveal a character’s true nature.

• Example:
  • Dialogue: “Wow, you landed that front flip perfectly.”
  • Internal monologue: I can do a double pike with a triple twist, but sure, front flips. Whatever.
    • The spoken words assume the character is impressed, but the internal monologue reveals arrogance. 

How to Annotate Internal Monologue:

Highlight internal monologues and compare them to their dialogue. Note any discrepancies and consider what they reveal about the character. Decide if they function as intended. 

The Subtext of Evasion and Deflection: The Art of Not Saying

When asked difficult questions, people may attempt to deflect or evade the issue. Depending on the tactic, a writer can uncover character thoughts and attitudes toward a subject.

1. Shifting focus: Avoid a particular issue entirely by changing the subject.
   • Example:
     • Q: “A new restaurant just opened on Main Street. I know you were friends with one of the staff. Why not say hello?”
     • A: “Yeah, I heard about that. There’s also a new antique shop. I saw it from the outside. It looks super cool.” 
2. Answering a Question with a Question: Think of it as a quick pushback. Rather than altering the flow of conversation, it reflects pressure and accusations.
   • Example:
     • Q: “According to your phone records, you were at the corner of 5th and Main at the time of the incident. What reason did you have for being there?”
     • A: “How are you so sure I had my phone on me?”
3. Vague Language: In this case, someone may respond on topic to defuse a question, but their answer provides no concrete information.
   • Example:
     • Q: “You stated to this committee that you had actionable information. If true, why has the member not been arrested?”
     • A: “Investigations are complicated. In certain cases, pushing for an indictment is not conducive to a favorable outcome.” 

4. Minimizing: Downplaying the significance of a situation to subtly insinuate that they don’t deserve punishment.
   • Example:
     • Q: “We have you on camera stealing from the register. Can you explain why?”
     • A: “I know, but I didn’t mean to take $400. I was tipping myself out, and the bills got stuck together. And it’s no big deal; I can return it. I’ll take it out of my tips next month.”
   • In this case, the initial act of grand larceny (a felony) was reinterpreted as an “accident.”
5. Offering reassurance: Trying to soothe concerns without addressing the issue.
   • Example:
     • Q: “He’s missing, and I don’t know who to call. What should I do?”
     • A: “Everything is going to be fine.” 

How to Annotate Evasion:

Highlight when questions are asked, then analyze the answers given. Decide whether the character chose to be evasive, and consider why. Question whether the evasive response was a subconscious decision to avoid discomfort or perhaps a social condition. Ensure that the moment aligns with the characters’ motives and traits.

Subtext in Humor and Sarcasm: Decoding the Laughs

Humor, especially sarcasm, can usually only be appreciated if the subtext is understood. Think of a time you were told a joke and responded, “I don’t get it.” 

1. Sarcasm: A statement with positive connotations in language but negatively intended.
   • Example: “Yeah, I totally wanted to get out of bed today just to get hit by a car,” he said, rolling his eyes.
2. Irony: A situation or statement where the intended implication is the opposite of the literal meaning.
   • Example: “Everywhere you look, there are vacancies and houses for sale. Corporations must love this economy. The housing market has never been in their favor like this before!”
     • In reality, the population can’t afford any homes, so there is only a small group of buyers and renters. 
3. Understatement: Downplaying the significance of something for humorous effect.
   • Example: “I did great, but I definitely could have been better,” an athlete said after dominating the national competition. 
4. Self-deprecating humor: Making fun of oneself, usually in search of empathy or to deflect criticism.
   • Example: “Okay, it looks like I might have girlbossed too close to the sun and got burned.”

How to Annotate Humor and Sarcasm:

Highlight humorous remarks along with the nonverbal cues accompanying them. Analyze what those nonverbals imply, then decide if they work as intended and what they reveal about the character.

How to Annotate for Subtext: A Practical Guide

Throughout this blog post, we’ve explored multiple avenues for interpreting subtexts. This blog post is not an exhaustive exploration of all nonverbal cues or elements of communication. This post is meant to be a bag of seeds to plant in your subtextual garden. With that in mind, let’s discuss how to effectively annotate for hidden meanings in other works so you can grow your repertoire of understanding.

1. Read Actively: Pay attention to every word, pause, and nonverbal cue. Writers create with intention; an audience should consume just as purposefully. 
2. Highlight Key Phrases: Mark any vague and ambiguous phrases that open the door to multiple interpretations. Consider why the phrase exists and what it could foreshadow or imply.
3. Note Nonverbal Cues: Notice body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, physical distance between characters, etc.
4. Consider the Context: Take note of the characters’ relationship, setting, and relevant background information.
5. Use Symbols and Abbreviations: Create a key using colors, symbols, or abbreviations. “S” for sarcasm, “M” for silence, and “BL” for body language.

These steps lay down a simple foundation for you to build on. Please take what you’d like and modify it to annotate works.

1. Study Visual Film: Movies and TV shows have seconds to quickly portray internal thinking; they often lack a realistic method to convey characters’ thoughts. Study the body language used and learn the vocabulary necessary to replicate it in a written format. 
2. Ask Questions:
   • What is the character saying, and what does that mean?
   • Is the character trying to hide anything? If so, how?
   • What are the underlying and unspoken emotions?
   • Does this dialogue advance the plot or reveal character?

Compilation of Subtextual Elements. 

Let’s look at an example incorporating multiple elements:

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“I got it!” Mary screamed, scurrying out of the conference room.

“What!” Jane shouted, shooting up from her chair. She covered her mouth before adjusting her tone and forcing a beaming smile. “That’s amazing. I’m so happy HR is training you for management!”

Mary threw up her arms and rushed forward. Jane unclenched her fists before leaning into the hug. The moment her face was out of view, Jane frowned. The back of her neck itched, still sore from carrying stacks of paperwork at HR’s behest. Hours of unpaid overtime were clearly not inspiring enough to beat Mary’s bubbly personality. She accepted that it didn’t matter how hard she worked; she could never outperform Merry Mary, as HR called her.

Jane smirked as she thought that Messy Mary would be far more fitting. The woman always managed to mess things up one way or another. 

“So, is it official?” Jane asked. 

“No, I’m just training,” Mary replied. 

A sly grin crept on Jane’s face. “So, as long as nothing goes wrong, it’s yours,” Jane whispered, pulling out of the embrace.

“I know! I’m already crossing my fingers,” Mary said, twirling her hair to self-soothe.

Jane grabbed her competition’s shoulders. “Don’t worry. Things will turn out how they’re supposed to.” She dropped her hands and backed away. “I’ll make sure of it. I promise.”

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• Focus on Jane:

The example above bobs through multiple emotions. None of which is outright stated. Initially, Jane is shocked, shouting, “What!” She clears her throat to correct her approach. Jane tries to smile, but her anger remains in her clenched hands. When her face is out of view, she takes a moment of contemplation. Jane thinks of her efforts for the position. Clearly, Jane thought she had earned the promotion. From the appearance of a sly grin, it is inferred that Jane has chosen a devious path to garner favor with HR. Jane has decided to sabotage Mary. Jane’s nonverbal cues, inner thoughts, and the narration help the audience infer that Jane’s promise is a threat. The moment also foreshadows coming conflicts.

• Focus on Mary:

The text clues the audience into Mary’s personality. She is screaming with joy and shaking her hands with excitement. She reaches in for a hug, embracing Jane. She appears naive or overly trusting because she depends on someone who may be a hidden enemy. There is a difference in perception, as HR calls her Merry Mary since she makes every day a joy in the office. Conversely, Jane highlights Mary’s negative qualities, labeling her messy. She is nervous and trying to self-soothe by touching her face. Comparing her to Jane, she appears more submissive and kinder. The comparison implies that Jane may be an envious person. Jane is not as well-liked in the office. This refers to previous conflicts, suggesting that Jane has an abrasive personality.

• Focus on Prose:

Initially, Mary is named. Her status as a coworker is mentioned. Additionally, her nickname is revealed. These shed light on Mary’s personality and her relationship with Jane. Further in the text, Mary is referred to as the woman. She is not called that coworker, that colleague, friend, or employee. All those terms create an archetype in our minds with connotative relationships. However, the woman is intentionally emotionally distant, choosing not to recognize Mary as someone close to her. Finally, she is labeled as Jane’s competition. The prose established her as a coworker, dehumanized her, and finally reestablished her in an antagonistic position. 

• Focus on dialogue:

“I got it!” Mary screamed.

“What! I’m so happy HR is training you for management!” Jane said. “So, is it official?” 

“No, I’m just training,” Mary replied. 

“So, as long as nothing goes wrong, it’s yours,” Jane said.

“I know! I’m already crossing my fingers,” Mary answered.

“Don’t worry. Things will turn out how they’re supposed to. I’ll make sure of it. I promise,” Jane said.

• The dialogue above insinuates that Jane will be a positive force in Mary’s life. Mary is no longer naive, and the second half of her dialogue lacks impact. In the previous example, we know Mary is nervous because she frequently makes mistakes. But here, we know nothing. We don’t know what relationship these two people share, either. The narrative implications of the interaction are gone.

Writing Exercises

Here are a few exercises to help hone your skills:

Exercise 1: The Scene in Silence

Write a short scene (200-300 words) where two characters have a conversation without a single word of dialogue. Focus only on body language, facial expressions, and internal monologue to convey their feelings and atmosphere. Alternatively, choose a scene from your own work and remove the dialogue. Examine what is left and consider if the body language you had written is powerful enough to carry the spoken word.

Exercise 2: Dialogue with a Double Meaning

Imagine a simple and mundane conversation between a married couple at dinner. Write a conversation where every line has an underlying subtext. The characters may be discussing a recent argument, using menu choices to disguise the conflict. For example: “We have a hike in the morning with my Mommy Vitamin group.” She scratched at the back of her head and flared her nostrils. “Are you sure you want the burger?”

Exercise 3: The Evasive Answer

Imagine a character is being interrogated. The questions asked are direct. Write your character’s responses, but have them use different evasive tactics for each answer (answering a question with a question, using vague language, shifting focus). Examine how the deflection reveals more about their guilt or fear than the truth could have.

Conclusion

Subtext is not just the hidden meanings of dialogue. It is hidden action carrying the force of character interactions. As we’ve shown, subtext can dramatically alter the meaning of words and can function as foreshadowing. By learning to recognize, annotate, and then construct unspoken meaning, we can breath life into a fictional world. When you engage in a conversation analyze their hidden meanings and unexplained source. I hope this post has been helpful to you in some way. I’d love to hear if you attempt any of the writing exercises above. Please share your experiences in the comments!

As you work to build layers of unspoken meaning into your stories, having the right tools to keep track can make all the difference. For managing complex narratives and character motivations, Scrivener (https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=polyprose) is my tool of choice. For refining prose to enhance subtext, I choose QuillBot (https://try.quillbot.com/polyprose) to assist me.