Here's what makes a sentence "telling":
* Reveals something significant: It doesn't just describe, it uncovers a hidden truth or deep emotion.
* Implies more than it states: It leaves the reader with questions, prompting them to think further.
* Conveys a sense of weight or importance: It stands out from the surrounding text, grabbing the reader's attention.
Examples:
* "The silence in the room was deafening." This tells us more than just that there's no sound. It implies tension, unease, and a sense of anticipation.
* "She realized that her smile was a mask she wore to hide the truth." This reveals a character's inner conflict and suggests a deeper story behind their outward appearance.
* "He had always been a good boy, or at least that's what they told him." This hints at a possible contradiction or hidden past, raising questions about the character's true nature.
Ultimately, a "telling sentence" is subjective. What resonates with one reader might not have the same impact on another. The key is to use language that sparks thought and reveals something meaningful about your story.