Calling on the Experts here!
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 ).
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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