Dramatic Quote by Nunnally Johnson
“A dramatic writer should never tell anything he can show.”
About This Quote
Source Film: "The Man Who Came to Dinner", 1942
Writers should convey story through visual action rather than exposition.
In simple terms: Show, don’t tell.
Key Takeaway
Use visual storytelling to engage audiences.
Themes
writing
visual storytelling
show don’t tell
Mood
practical
analytical
Type
cinematic
instructional
When to use this quote
- screenplays
- stage plays
- advertising
- education
Key Concepts
cinema
dramatic structure
audience engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance showing with necessary exposition?
- When is narration more effective than visual?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on showing may miss nuanced internal thoughts.
