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The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Mastering Subtext in Fiction, Part 2: Subtext in Dialogue

By Lynette Easonon April 9, 2025
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Let’s dig a little deeper into how subtext in dialogue works and what it looks like. In the previous post, I talked about how people rarely say exactly what they mean—especially when under stress or in a sticky situation—or maybe when the truth would hurt someone’s feelings. We dodge, deflect, soften our words, or hide our true feelings behind sarcasm or politeness. Great fictional dialogue works the same way. It’s not just about what’s said—it’s about what’s meant.

This is where subtext in dialogue becomes a powerful tool. It adds tension, reveals character, and invites the reader to dig deeper. When done well, it transforms a simple conversation into a scene brimming with emotion, conflict, and meaning.

So, what exactly is subtext in dialogue?

Again, subtext in dialogue is the underlying meaning behind a character’s words. I talked about the phrase “I’m fine.” Think about that. How many different meanings can those three words take on? A character might say, “I’m fine,” but the reader senses they’re anything but. The words act like a mask; but the truth is revealed through context, body language, tone, and what’s left unsaid.

Here are a few techniques to add subtext to dialogue:

  1. Deflection and Indirect Answers

Characters often dodge questions when they’re uncomfortable, afraid, or trying to hide something.

Example:
“Did you see him last night?”
“Oh, come on, Sis, I don’t remember. It was late.”

Here, the character isn’t answering directly, which creates tension and raises suspicion.

  1. Contradicting Body Language

Words say one thing, but actions say another.

Example from Collateral Damage by me: 
Brooke says, “I’m used to danger. It doesn’t bother me anymore.” But her hand trembles as she reaches for her water, showing the fear she’s trying to suppress.

She’s saying one thing, trying to convince herself of that fact when it’s clearly untrue.

  1. Strategic Silence

Sometimes the most powerful response is no response at all. I looked at this one a little bit last time.

Example:
A character is accused of something his wife doesn’t want to believe possible.
“You didn’t really do it, did you?”
He looked away, then at his hands.

That silence is louder than words.

  1. Subtext Through Tone and Context

Words take on different meanings, depending on the context or how they’re said.

Example:
“You’re so brave.”
This comment could be sincere, sarcastic, or even accusatory—depending on the situation and tone of voice.

  1. Saying the Opposite of What’s Meant (Irony or Sarcasm)

A character might use sarcasm or irony to hide vulnerability.

From Acceptable Risk by me:
Sarah tells Gavin, “You don’t have to protect me.”
But the context reveals she wants his protection—she just doesn’t want to appear weak. The subtext is her internal battle between independence and vulnerability.

Summary

When writing dialogue, remember: People rarely say what they really mean, especially in certain situations. The richest scenes are the ones where your characters are holding something back—and the reader feels it.

Exercise

Rewrite a short piece of dialogue and add your subtext. Here’s an example:

Too direct. No subtext involved here:
“Are you mad at me?”
“Yes, because you forgot my birthday. I feel hurt and disappointed.”

With subtext:
“Are you mad at me?”
“Why would I be? It’s just a date on a calendar, right?”

Now you try it.

 

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Category: Craft, Writing Craft

How to Write Your Novel From the Middle With James Scott Bell

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on April 8, 2025
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  Are you starting your book in the wrong place? I’m not referring to giving too much backstory. I mean, are you starting your story in the wrong place? Pantsers often start at the beginning and just let the story unfold. Plotters often want to outline the entire story from beginning to end before they write the first page. But what would happen if you started writing your book from the …

Read moreHow to Write Your Novel From the Middle With James Scott Bell
Category: Craft, The Writing Life, Writing CraftTag: Writing Craft

Houston, We Have a Problem

By Steve Laubeon April 7, 2025
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This week marks the 55th anniversary of the launch of the infamous Apollo 13 mission to the moon (April 11, 1970). Two days after the launch, an oxygen tank exploded, jeopardizing the lives of the astronauts and scrapping the mission. Their ingenious solutions and subsequent safe return on April 17 were later portrayed in the award-winning 1995 film Apollo 13. I couldn’t help but think that the …

Read moreHouston, We Have a Problem
Category: Book Business, Marketing, The Publishing LifeTag: Problems, publishing, The Publishing Life

Fun Fridays – April 4, 2025

By Steve Laubeon April 4, 2025
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What an amazing invention! I love the battery life and the ability to scan through the content quickly. Incredibly portable and even shareable. I wish I had thought of it. Even better? I don’t have to rely on Amazon to deliver it by drone. The bookbook™!

Read moreFun Fridays – April 4, 2025
Category: Fun Fridays

A Writer’s Prayer on Beginning a New Project

By Bob Hostetleron April 2, 2025
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Abba, Father, thank you for the work you have given me to do, for what I am about to write. I begin in fear and trembling, not at all sure that I can start well, let alone finish well. But your grace is sufficient for me, in writing as in all of life, for your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Take my weakness, all of it. I give it to you. Take my strength, what little I have. Take my mind, …

Read moreA Writer’s Prayer on Beginning a New Project
Category: The Writing Life, Theology

Expand Our Storytelling

By Steve Laubeon March 31, 2025
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Dan’s post last week, “Foreign Intelligence,” got me thinking. There are times when I wonder if I need to change my glasses—metaphorically—to correct, or even remove, a myopic vision that only sees or cares about the first-world problems surrounding me. Of course, the problems in my life, city, state, region, and country are of great importance. But they are not the only ones. …

Read moreExpand Our Storytelling
Category: Personal

Fun Fridays – March 28, 2025

By Steve Laubeon March 28, 2025
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A perfect prelude to the upcoming April Fool’s Day. For all piano accompanists out there, this video will especially resonate with you!  

Read moreFun Fridays – March 28, 2025
Category: Fun Fridays

Foreign Intelligence

By Dan Balowon March 27, 2025
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In 2017, I wrote about The Challenge for American Christian Authors. I asserted that great care needs to be taken when American authors want their message to be understood by anyone outside of the US Christian subculture. Today, I am reversing that position and looking at what writers from other countries might have to say to the North American believer. Two things brought this to mind: First, I …

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Category: Book Business, Career, Theology

Am I Head-Hopping or Is It Omniscient POV? – Guest Post by Kathy Tyers

By Guest Bloggeron March 24, 2025
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One of our regular readers asked, “What about the Omniscient Point of View? It exists, and some of us use it, but today’s writers aren’t taught the difference between OPOV and head hopping in a limited POV. ” I thought I’d ask an expert! I’ve had the honor of working with Kathy Tyers for over 25 years. She is the author of Writing Deep Viewpoint: Invite Your …

Read moreAm I Head-Hopping or Is It Omniscient POV? – Guest Post by Kathy Tyers
Category: The Writing Life

Fun Fridays – March 21, 2025

By Steve Laubeon March 21, 2025
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I’d prefer not to have a debt with a plumber. No doubt. I paid the bill! I have the receipt! There is nothing subtle about it. Enjoy today’s fun video about the spelling origins of certain English words. Undoubtedly, you will enjoy it!  

Read moreFun Fridays – March 21, 2025
Category: Fun Fridays
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