170 / Types of Writing
- Do^ all^ details—descriptions,^ actions,^ dialogues—support^ the^ single^ focus?
- Are^ details^ logically^ organized?
- Does^ the^ reader^ hear^ and^ see^ the^ character?
- Does^ the^ dialogue^ reflect^ the^ character?^ [See Chapter 22, Dialogue.]
-^ Because actions speak louder than words, does the reader see the character in
action? - Are^ details^ subtle^ rather^ than^ blunt^ and^ bold?^ [See Sample Revision for Specific
Detail in Chapter 3, Revising.] - Do^ I^ show^ rather^ than^ tell^ what^ the^ character^ is^ like?
- Do^ I^ maintain^ good^ emphasis,^ putting^ main^ ideas^ in^ main^ clauses?^ [See Sample
Revision for Emphasis in Chapter 3, Revising.]
Any questions to which you cannot answer an honest “yes” may suggest areas for
revision.
STEP 8: Proofreading—Checking the Details
As you proofread, check punctuation, especially in conversations. [See Chapter 22,
Dialogue.] Correct any grammar, mechanics, or usage problems you find. [See Part
IV for rules and examples.] Check the Glossary for quick definitions, examples, and
further cross-references. Finally, check spelling and vocabulary.
saMPle cHaracter sketcH
The following character sketch exhibits most of the characteristics listed in this sec-
tion. As you read, watch for “showing” words and phrases.
Mr. Biddleman: He Is What He Eats
“Come into the kitchen with me. I’m eating just now.” A hint of British accent added a musical
quality to his old-man voice. “Let me get you some tea.”
A fine old bone-china plate sat on the painted wooden table piled high with books and junk
mail. Whatever was on the plate—unrecognizable by local standards—smelled like a wild com-
bination of garlic and sage.
“Shove the books over; I’ve your tea here.” He placed on the table a cup and saucer that
matched the plate. On another saucer were two brownish cookies or thin cakes. “I must say it’s
so great to see you, my boy. What brings you around to my humble abode?” A glance around
the room emphasized humble but not poor. Books tumbled over one another on every sitting
place but one, the ladder-back rocker in the corner by the window.