I need some advice regarding a fantasy novel I'm working on.
First of all, I'm familiar with the "Show, don't Tell" approach to writing (I'm just not very good at it yet
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My question is, in regards to characters, when is it OK to just "Tell" the reader about them? Where they're from, what they're doing, they're goals, age, appearance etc.
I tried to do it through dialogue, but it felt too awkward. The characters have all known each other for a long time. Explaining their reasoning and goals to each other was just way too forced and didn't make any sense. I had to throw that part out.
The problem is that these people are on a journey (which is almost over), and they all know why they are going there. The problem is the reader won't know unless I just come right out and "Tell" them. And it's kind of important that the reader know know what's going on quickly.
I'm currently considering using a flashback approach to things. Similar to the show "Lost", where the characters are introduced, but you don't know anything about them until the producers show you a clip of what they were doing 3 years ago (or whenever).
So can I just use the "almighty power of third person narration" and write a page or two about who these people are and why they're doing what they're doing? Or is that not the right way to do it?
I know "Showing" is better and more engaging than "Telling", but when is it OK to "Tell"?
I'm really struggling with this at the moment. Any Help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
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