Show Don't Tell Checklist: 10 Signs and How to Fix Each
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Use this checklist to scan your draft for telling habits. Read a scene or chapter. For each sign you spot, apply the fix right away. Rewrite the paragraph using sensory details, actions, or dialogue.
Work through all 10 in order. Revise one sign at a time. Your prose will pull readers into the story through what characters do and sense, not labels.
1. Emotion labels like 'angry' or 'happy'
She was furious at his lie. He felt ecstatic about the win.
Fix: Replace with physical reactions or dialogue. Her fists clenched, face heating as she slammed the door. He pumped his arms, grinning so wide his cheeks ached.
2. Thought tags like 'she thought' or 'he knew'
She thought he was hiding something. He knew the plan would fail.
Fix: Cut the tag. Embed in specific sensory input. His shifty glance at the floor made her stomach twist. Cracks spiderwebbed the wall—he pictured the collapse already.
3. Backstory dumps in narration
John had grown up poor after his father left when he was five.
Fix: Reveal through dialogue, objects, or action. John gripped the frayed shirt sleeve, remembering empty cupboards after Dad's truck vanished down the dirt road.
4. Direct statements of relationships
Mary was his best friend. They hated each other.
Fix: Show in interaction. Mary tossed him the keys without a word—they'd done this a hundred times. She shoved his shoulder, eyes flashing: 'Move, idiot.'
5. Adverb-heavy actions
He ran quickly down the hall. She spoke softly to the child.
Fix: Strengthen the verb and add concrete detail. He sprinted, boots pounding the tiles. She murmured, stroking the child's damp hair.
6. Senses stated instead of evoked
The room smelled bad. The food tasted delicious.
Fix: Use specific sensory words. Rot thickened the air from the overflowing trash. Warm butter and garlic flooded her mouth with each bite.
7. Character traits announced
Tom was stubborn. Lisa was shy.
Fix: Demonstrate in behavior. Tom crossed his arms, jaw set, refusing to budge. Lisa stared at her shoes, twisting her fingers until he looked away.
8. Motivations explained directly
He wanted revenge because she betrayed him.
Fix: Show through choices or symbols. He smashed the locket she gave him, shards scattering across the floor.
9. Scene summaries instead of beats
They argued for hours about the money.
Fix: Break into specific exchanges. 'You spent it all?' she yelled. He kicked the chair. 'It was mine!'
10. Internal state summaries
He was nervous about the speech.
Fix: Layer in bodily cues. Sweat beaded his forehead. His hands shook as he gripped the podium, voice cracking on the first word.
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