The subtext of a scene is the underlying emotion that changes or alters the meaning of the words spoken or the actions taken. Or it is what is “under the skin of a character.” Or it is what is under the surface of what a character says or does.

The German-born theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein, is best known for his theory of relativity and his Nobel Prize in Physics. His keen observations apply to writing as well as science. His concise quotes are invaluable and timeless. Here are five of my favorites.

Mad Men has had wide-spread critical acclaim, won numerous awards and has become a cultural reference– but it has a very small audience. This struggle between art vs commerce and high brow vs low prestige mass entertainment is a dilemma writers and producers wrestle with continually.

Some or the shows I am working with are introducing new characters. One of the immediate questions is what is the character’s backstory? How and when should a new character’s history or past be revealed?

It’s important to look at the ways the character is most worried about failing others and becoming unloved or unlovable. This often is traceable back to the character’s own childhood fears. These early fears powerfully stay with us and color our adult lives.

In my Character Map workshops I talk a lot about fear. This article from the Huffington Post makes a clear statements about fear in politics, everyday life and storytelling. It is a wonderful summary of the discussion of fear I have with my workshop participants.