The Place For My Writers Notes

Make a Scene, chapter 9: Subtext

So we're taking a look at Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld. We're deep in Part 2 looking at various core elements and the scene. Setting, senses, character development and motivation, plot -- and now in Chapter 9, a look at subtext.

"Scenes often need depth or subtext, texture that links the scene to the themes and larger plot of your narrative, and fleshes them out." And Rosenfeld points out that building in subtext is often a task for the second draft or revisions, when you know the story and the characters better, and have a better understanding of the message or idea or moral of the story.

Rosenfeld suggests that good scenes have a surface -- the visible parts -- and an underbelly, the subtext, where the emotional baggage, agendas, secrets, and motivations roil. There are several techniques for creating subtext.

Thematic imagery or symbols. When you use the images that metaphorically or symbolically tie-in to the theme, this can help remind the reader of the large idea even in the middle of the tactical plot and scene. This doesn't have to be overdone -- a couple of highlights can be plenty. Plant symbols subtly, without rubbing the reader's nose in them.

Innuendo. Characters in fiction often come across truths that they don't want to admit to themselves or others -- and all too often, someone insists on reminding them. Teasing, accusation, wordplay -- this can be fun! Use innuendo to subtly point fingers, adding complication to the scene and the dialogue.

Unconscious or uncontrollable behavior. Most of the time, characters do things on purpose -- intentionally. But those unintended actions can speak louder than anything else.

Foreground and background. Even though the reader's attention is on what's happening in the foreground, you can use the background for subtle messages and emotional layers. Sure, the protagonist is about to declare his undying love -- but what's his little brother doing gagging behind him? What are the secondary characters doing while the primary characters take over the foreground?

Think of your scenes as multidimensional. You want them to be deep and complex -- so give them a rich subtext.

The assignment this week is much like that of other weeks. Start with a scene in a novel that you like or one that you're working on. Now go through and see if you can identify pieces that provides subtext in this scene. Are there images or symbols? Do characters use innuendo to suggest things? Are any of the characters doing things without thinking about it? Is something happening in the background that adds a bit more depth? Are there other techniques helping to provide subtext for this scene?

For extra credit, you can always take an entire story or novel, and think about the theme or moral underlying it. Then consider at least five ways that you might weave that theme into a scene of your choice. What imagery or symbols might you use? Is there something you could plant in the characters' dialogue? How could the unconscious behavior of one or more characters reflect that theme? What might happen behind your main action to reflect the theme?

Go ahead, write!