Dialogue should not be entirely open and honest, because people rarely tell exactly how they feel or what they are thinking. We call this concealment the “subtext,” the message hidden behind the words, which may be shown to the reader in the expressions, tone of voice, and actions.
Here are a few simple examples:
- “Sure I want to go to the ballgame.” Jill glanced toward the sewing room as if someone there were calling her.
- “If I were you, I wouldn’t do that,” Sam said in a taunting tone.
- “I said I was fine.” She smiled thinly, her eyes on the verge of tears.
- Jason bit his lip, hesitating. “Of course I love you.”
Give readers the clues, and they’ll love the opportunity to figure out what is going on.
