subtext

Content that is implied, rather than spoken or indicated. Motivations, themes and information can all be subtextual.

Most commonly, subtext refers to meaning that is conveyed through dialogue without being expressly stated. A character says one thing, but clearly means another, expressed through subtext.

Example: When a mobster says to a local shopkeeper: “You have a lovely store. It would be a terrible shame if anything were to happen to it.” The line is innocuous, but the subtext makes it a threat.

Related to visual metaphor

The undesirable lack of subtext creates on the nose writing.