Thread: Stating the obvious

I am not sure if this is the right section so sorry in advance. I am reading a short story and the author is pointing out the obvious through the characters dialogue even though the subtext is there. I am blanking out on this one but isn't there a word for that? Or am I imaging it?

Sean

It sounds like "As you know, Bob..." Google Turkey City Lexicon and see for yourself.

JohnB

Thanks JohnB.

Haha, I hate it when this happens in fiction! Not very impressed when I come across it.

(which I don't very often, fortunately)

It's why Mike Myers named that character in Austin Powers: Basil EXPOSITION!!!! He'd explain the plot to us using sentences like: "Austin, as you know..."

It's a cheap trick, but an efficient one for laying out plot developments for the senseless reader. I can't say I like it at all, but it works, and that's why you see it.

If you're working in third-person, you see, then there's two ways of passing the reader information. Pov thoughts are maybe the better option, but they come at the disadvantage of switching persons, which may be why people seem to pass on this method and instead lay everything out in conversation.

First-person, you can get away with thought-splaining events scot-free. Part of why I like it better than third.

I like disguising plots and needed data inside witty banter, it helps speed the story along and doesn't bury the reader in a wall of text. It saves me from worrying about adverbs and fiddling with details.