Folly of the Faithful Canine

I’m sure you’ve heard of “Show, don’t tell,”
A writing tip we all know well
From Anton Chekhov, though he said
A longer phrase, from what I’ve read.
It’s meant for use in not just plays
But writing in all kinds of ways.
The point is to describe the scene
So readers sense just what you mean.
For instance, you had best avoid
Declaring someone was annoyed
When you can say they rolled their eyes
Or heard a crowd as buzzing flies.
That said, plain telling has its place,
If only to increase the pace.
The duller details can be skipped
Or covered in a briefer script
With exposition, which would leave
The better parts to image-weave.
Like any other writing rule,
It’s not a law but more a tool.
Decide yourself what’s best to show
And what to tell; I hope you know.

Some characters accused of having zero personality
Are really just inclined toward expressional neutrality.
They’re tolerant of many flaws and bear aggression stoic’ly,
Or else they stand by principles, defending them heroic’ly.

They can be quite emotional and talkative and sociable,
But something in their attitude is strictly nonnegotiable.
Perhaps you think consistency makes people one-dimensional.
It doesn’t, least of all when they are highly unconventional.

They have a set of int’rests if you watch them more attentively.
They even sometimes find a way to pass the time inventively.
In short, if you like criticisms based in actuality,
Think hard before you say that someone lacks a personality.