Day 3 – What I learned …

[Deb Johnson]

What I learned:

Subtext comes from situations where ulterior motives are at play.

I improved my scene by adding a layer of subtext:

• The conspirators exchange a glance that the hero notices.

• I made the warning to not go on more cryptic – leaving the audience to guess at the nature of the threat.

• I added some dialogue from the conspirator that urges the others to press on to help – but he has an ulterior motive.

• The skeptic chimes in to contrast the other’s curiosity.

• I put the hero in the leadership role – uncovering a hidden tunnel… a foreshadowing of how he will later unravel the mystery.

[Isti Madarasz]

What I learned… is that there is so much to learn for me in this area. Subtext is always more exciting then plain talk, and when characters lie – even without bad intentions but to hide their inner thoughts and feelings – as we all do – is just great and cool.