We have all heard that great stories are told through their subtext. But what is subtext? Generally it's said that the subtext is what is not being said, but if this is the case, why doesn't a TV, that's been turned of, communicate a lot of wonderful subtext? Saying that subtext is what's not being said is just explanation using empty words and has no practical value. Subtext is the part of the story told in the audiences imagination . To use subtext optimally we need to influence and control our audiences imagination and do it with out them noticing it. If they start noticing the tools we use to try to influence them they will be paying attention to the tools and not the characters and the story - with other words: We've lost them.
by: Peter Hertzberg