Narrative Distance & Show Not Tell.

Introduction

When it comes to writing fiction, one of the key challenges for authors is finding the right balance between showing and telling. The concept of narrative distance plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. Narrative distance refers to the perceived distance between the reader and the characters and events in a story. By understanding and controlling narrative distance, writers can effectively engage readers and create a more immersive reading experience. In this article, we will explore the relationship between narrative distance and the show not tell technique in novels.

Understanding Narrative Distance

Narrative distance can be seen as a spectrum, ranging from a far narrative distance to a close narrative distance. At the far end of the spectrum, the reader takes on a more detached and objective perspective, similar to watching events unfold from a distance. As the narrative distance narrows, the reader becomes more intimately connected to the characters and experiences the story through their eyes, thoughts, and emotions.

The Importance of Show Not Tell

The show not tell technique is a fundamental principle in effective storytelling. Instead of simply telling readers what is happening or how characters feel, it involves showing these elements through vivid descriptions, dialogue, and actions. When used appropriately, show not tell can create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, allowing readers to experience the story alongside the characters.

The Narrative Distance Scale

To better understand narrative distance, it is helpful to explore John Gardner's narrative distance scale. This scale presents five points that illustrate different degrees of psychic distance, ranging from a far narrative distance to a close narrative distance. Let's examine each point on the scale and its impact on the reader's experience.

Far Narrative Distance: "It was winter of the year 1853. A large man stepped out of a doorway." At this point, the narrative is distant and objective, providing a broad overview of the scene without delving into the character's thoughts or emotions..Narrowing of Narrative Distance: "Henry J. Warburton had never much cared for snowstorms." The narrative distance narrows slightly, giving the reader some insight into the character's subjective experience and personal preferences.

Closer Narrative Distance: "Henry hated snowstorms." Here, the narrative distance is reduced further, allowing the reader to connect more intimately with the character by understanding his emotions and dislikes.

Even Closer Narrative Distance: "God how he hated these damn snowstorms." The character's voice and language come through, bringing the reader closer to their thoughts and feelings. This is achieved through the use of free indirect style, where the narration adopts the character's mode of speaking.

Closest Narrative Distance: "Snow. Under your collar, down inside your shoes, freezing and plugging up your miserable soul." At this point, the reader is fully immersed in the character's consciousness, experiencing their thoughts and feelings in real time. The narrative becomes intimate and direct.

Controlling Narrative Distance in Writing

As a writer, it is essential to have control over narrative distance to effectively engage readers and convey the desired emotions and experiences. Here are some strategies for controlling narrative distance in your writing:

Shifting Narrative Distance: Vary the narrative distance throughout your story to create a dynamic reading experience. Shifting between a wide narrative distance and a close narrative distance can help maintain reader interest and provide different perspectives on the events and characters.

Point of View: The choice of point of view in your writing can influence narrative distance. For example, a first-person narrative often offers a closer narrative distance, as readers experience the story through the protagonist's perspective. In contrast, a third-person omniscient narrative allows for a wider narrative distance, providing a broader view of events and multiple character perspectives.

Language and Description: Use language and description to evoke emotions and sensory experiences, allowing readers to feel connected to the characters and their world. Instead of simply stating a character's emotions, show them through actions, dialogue, and vivid descriptions.

Dialogue: Dialogue is an effective tool for showing rather than telling. Use dialogue to reveal character traits, emotions, and conflicts, allowing readers to experience the story through the characters' interactions.

Psychic Distance: Be mindful of psychic distance, which refers to the level of emotional closeness between the reader and the characters. Adjust the psychic distance to match the desired effect for each scene or moment in your story.

The Role of Narrative Distance in Show Not Tell

Narrative distance and show not tell are closely intertwined. By utilizing show not tell techniques, writers can effectively narrow narrative distance, allowing readers to experience the story more intimately. Through vivid descriptions, sensory details, and character actions, show not tell brings readers closer to the characters' thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

On the other hand, narrative distance can be widened to provide a broader perspective or context. This is particularly useful for providing background information, establishing setting, or creating a sense of detachment for certain scenes or moments.

Choosing the Right Narrative Distance

The choice of narrative distance depends on the goals of your story and the desired effect for each scene. Consider the following factors when determining the appropriate narrative distance:

Emotional Connection: If you want to create a strong emotional connection between the reader and the characters, a closer narrative distance can be more effective. This allows readers to experience the story alongside the characters and feel a deeper connection to their thoughts and emotions.

Pacing and Tension: Narrative distance can influence the pacing and tension of your story. A closer narrative distance can create a sense of immediacy and intensity, while a wider narrative distance can slow the pace and provide breathing room for the reader.

Context and Worldbuilding: Consider the need to provide context and establish the world of your story. A wider narrative distance can be useful for providing necessary information, describing settings, or offering a broader view of events.

Character Development: Narrative distance can impact character development. A closer narrative distance allows for a deeper exploration of a character's thoughts, emotions, and motivations, while a wider narrative distance may focus more on external actions and events.

Examples of Narrative Distance in Practice

To illustrate the relationship between narrative distance and show not tell, let's explore examples from different novels:

In a scene set during a snowstorm, a far narrative distance might describe the snow falling and the characters' actions without delving into their thoughts or emotions. This offers a wider view of the events and creates a sense of detachment.

17.As the narrative distance narrows, the reader may begin to experience the snowstorm through the character's perspective. Show not tell techniques can be employed to describe the character's physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions, allowing readers to feel more connected to their experience.

18.In a pivotal moment of the story, a close narrative distance can be used to fully immerse the reader in the character's thoughts and emotions. Show not tell techniques can be employed to vividly describe the character's internal struggle, creating a sense of intimacy and empathy.

Conclusion

Understanding and controlling narrative distance is crucial for effective storytelling. By utilizing show not tell techniques and adjusting the narrative distance, writers can engage readers and create a more immersive reading experience. Whether using a far narrative distance to provide context, or a close narrative distance to evoke emotions, finding the right balance is key to captivating readers and bringing your story to life.