Literary Term- Subtext
By: Anthea DeVeyra
Definition: The underlying personality of a dramatic character as implied or indicated by a script or text and interpreted by an actor in performance
(Rachel looks at him spreading the sandwiches, obviously masking frustration)
Rachel: I'm allergic to peanut butter.
(Ray, surprised, continues to spread the butter)
RAY: Since when?
Beat.
RACHEL: Birth.
Example:
War of the Wolds
RAY: Here we go, some nice peanut butter sandwiches.
(Rachel looks at him spreading the sandwiches, obviously masking frustration)
Rachel: I'm allergic to peanut butter.
(Ray, surprised, continues to spread the butter)
RAY: Since when?
Beat.
RACHEL: Birth.
Text: Rachel is allergic to peanut butter.
Subtext: Ray is a bad father.