- Subtext
- Performance is reaction. Subtext is the information or communication hidden “beneath” the spoken words; it is implicit and subtle, not explicit.
- Text: What a character says or does
- Subtext: The character’s true intention
- Importance: Subtext adds depth, tension, and realism to a performance. Through subtle body language, it transforms a soulless “puppet” into a real character with a rich inner world.
Three principles for choosing high-quality subtext:
- It must align with the character’s goals/tasks in the current scene.
- It must express a strong feeling or opinion (i.e., the essence you truly want to convey).
- Avoid using interrogative sentences (unless the dialogue itself is an interrogative sentence).
- Q:
- Is the subtext about interpersonal relationships and social interactions?
- Is it necessary to explicitly state the intended meaning?