1. Subtext 101 Creating Subtext

2. Subtext 101 Subtext = IMPLYING information, not directly stating it In real life, people rarely say exactly what they are feeling, especially if those feelings are difficult to deal with. More often, people try to hide what bothers them, their personal weaknesses and minor transgressions. They may also lie to protect loved ones or try to gain power or status. When this happens and problems arise, it often leads to conflict, as people try to get each other to meet their needs without being up front about them.

3. What is Subtext? Scene subtext is one of the most difficult aspects of screenwriting to grasp. Subtext is what is going on beneath the surface, the undercurrent of emotions and thoughts that truly motivates the characters to behave as they do. Most of the time subtext connects to the character’s needs. It can sometimes relate to what character’s consciously know and want but can’t reveal. 3

4. What is Subtext (Continued)? A story’s subtext answers the question why characters act and say what they do, before and after plot requirements are considered. Certain actions and dialogue must unfold for the plot to work, but the layer of meaning beneath the plot mechanics goes to the heart of who your characters really are, and why they find themselves in a particular story.

5. 10 Ways to Say “NO”

6. #1 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Man, she UGLY!

7. #2 A: Dude, would you date her? B: [laughs sarcastically] Date her, I’d totally marry her.

8. #3 A: Dude, would you date her? B: [rolls eyes and walks away]

9. #4 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Yeah sure, and her dog, too.

10. #5 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Maybe if she grew a beard. I like beards.

11. #6 A: Dude, would you date her? B: I’m thinking that becoming a social outcast would do wonders for my reputation.

12. #7 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Well, I am the only man left on the planet. Oh wait, no I’m not.

13. #8 A: Dude, would you date her? B: [punches his friend in the face]

14. #9 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Uh… wha?

15. #10 A: Dude, would you date her? B: Man, I thought you were my friend, but I’m beginning to think you must really hate me.

16. Try it now… Work with your groups and try to come up with “10 Ways to Say Yes” to the same question: “Dude, would you date her?”