Improving as a writer is all about learning new tricks and techniques to perfect your story and writing potential. Hence, writers need to understand the art of subtext and know how to craft unspoken tension in dialogue. There’s plenty to understand with subtext, ranging from a sarcastic banter to something more.
Nevertheless, I recommend focusing on subtext if you're not an experienced writer. While it’s possible to write dialogue that can get a story from point A to point B, you’ll often find it achieves none of the goals without that added layer. Instead, aim to let your dialogue emerge naturally as a byproduct of developing plot and character while having meanings underneath.
Still from 'The Godfather' (1972). Photo license: Paramount Pictures
What is Subtext?
A story is seldom just what it seems on the surface; beneath the dialogue, actions, and settings lies a world of hidden meaning waiting to be discovered.
The subtext is everything in writing and directing. Dialogue may convey words, but the real meaning comes through in how those words are delivered. For example, if the line is "Thanks," and the subtext is "Thanks," it's flat. But if the line is "Thanks" with the subtext, "I can't believe you'd think I'd want this," there's suddenly depth and tension.
When writing, if the performance isn't hitting the mark, try having the dialogue play out the scene's subtext instead of the lines. Once it connects with that underlying feeling, you can refine the dialogue as needed.
As for writing subtext, refrain from having characters say exactly what they mean. Instead, they hint at their true intentions through body language, pauses, and subtle shifts in dialogue.
Subtext’s Effectiveness
When experts talk about layered dialogue, they mean that what's spoken should carry more than just the surface meaning. Conversations rarely directly lay out every intention; the real message often hides between the lines.
Imagine you come home empty-handed after promising to bring dinner, and your partner greets you with, "Great." It might seem like a simple, polite response to someone unfamiliar with the nuances. But we know it’s loaded with frustration, likely saying, "You forgot again—why does this keep happening?" This is the power of subtext: the unspoken truth beneath the words.
Understanding Your Character
Convert subtext is meant to stay subtle for the audience, letting them connect the dots independently. In contrast, overt subtext is transparent to the audience but remains hidden from the other characters. Covert subtext often focuses less on what’s said and more on what’s left unsaid.
I love using subtext in dialogue, primarily through body language. For instance, a character who looks away quickly after saying something close to their true feelings may signal they’re afraid of giving away too much. On the other hand, holding steady eye contact could suggest they want the other person to pick up on their hidden message.
Imagine a character saying, “I just wanted to ensure you liked the food,” followed by either a glance away or a pointed gaze. Both actions suggest, “You’re important to me,” but with a different intent. Many body language cues can achieve similar layers of meaning, enriching the scene's subtext.
Subtext Examples
Realizing that subtext can make or break your writing is vital, so it's imperative to focus on sharpening that skill and getting the most out of your writing capabilities.
One of the most iconic lines in cinema comes from Francis Ford Coppola’s 'The Godfather' (1972), when Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) says, "I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse." It's simple yet mighty–this line is subtext at its most effective. It's unforgettable, so much so that it’s become a staple of gangster lore and pop culture. Nearly everyone, from movie buffs to casual fans, has quoted it at some point.
The line occurs when Corleone's godson, Johnny Fontane (Al Martino), a famous singer, pleads for help after being denied a movie role. Johnny seeks Corleone's influence after a producer turns him down. Corleone's response, "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse," isn't an offer but a veiled threat.
Later, the producer wakes up to find the severed head of his prized racehorse in his bed, a clear message. Johnny gets the role. This line is a perfect example of subtext, delivering a world of meaning in just a few words.
Another great example is in 'Jaws' (1975). Brody is preparing to head out on a boat to hunt the shark, and he tells his wife to open the chimney flue before starting any fires. It’s the middle of summer–she won’t use the fireplace for months. He’s not concerned about the chimney flue; he’s subtly hinting that he may not return. That’s the real message beneath his words–the subtext.
Studying other films and television series is a great way to learn the best about a specific writing example, including subtext. Make a list of exciting movies, view them, appreciate them, and see if you can spot the subtext.