Showing or Telling — What Makes a Story Stronger?

Two Ways Stories Speak in Literature; Mimesis & Diegesis (2)

Types of Mimesis and Diegesis

In literature, mimesis and diegesis are not just single techniques.

They have different forms depending on how a story is delivered.

Mimesis — “showing”

The story unfolds directly through action, dialogue, and scene, as though the reader is witnessing it.

Types of Mimesis:

1. Direct mimesis — Shows pure dramatic presentation. When characters speak and act without a narrator's interference.

2. Mixed mimesis — narrator and characters both present the story. Most novels use this format.

Example:

He slammed the door. “I’m done!” John shouted.

You see the action and hear the narrator.

3. Behavioral mimesis — Uses imitation of human action to reveal character. Emotion is shown through movement and gesture. It is implied through behavior instead of explained.

This type is used more in drama, film, and expressive prose.

Diegesis — “telling”

The narrator filters events, summarizes action, explains motives, and reports what happened.

Types of Diegesis:

1. Simple diegesis — the narrator speaks directly in their own voice and reports events.

Example: The king was angry and declared war – simple.

2. Authorial diegesis — an omniscient narrator explaining history, motives, and background.

Example: Long narrative explanations about world-building or past events.

3. Character diegesis — a character inside the story narrates events.

Example: First-person narration where the story is told from within.

4. Extradiegetic and Intradiegetic narration

Extradiegetic — the narrator exists outside the story world.

“Once upon a time…”

Intradiegetic — the narrator is inside the story world.

“Let me tell you what happened to me…”

A simple way to remember it:

Mimesis – Active scene playing out. You watch it happen.

Diegesis – Summary of events and details. You are told how it happened.

Most literary works blends both.

Pure mimesis feels like drama.

Pure diegesis feels like historical narration.

Strong storytelling moves between showing and telling, allowing readers to experience important moments and blur through some.

Princess Ella