What does "subtext" mean in dialogue?

Subtext in dialogue refers to the underlying emotions, meanings, and intentions that are not explicitly expressed by the characters through their spoken words. While characters may state their thoughts or feelings directly, subtext reveals deeper layers of meaning, allowing the audience to grasp the true motivations, conflicts, or emotions that influence the dialogue. This can create complexity in characters and enhance the dramatic tension within a scene, as the audience is often privy to information that the characters may not openly acknowledge.

The other choices focus on different aspects of dialogue. The explicit meaning of spoken words refers to what is plainly stated without the deeper emotional context. A character's superficial thoughts might touch on what they are saying, but it doesn't address the hidden layers that subtext encompasses. Finally, a plot summary of the play does not relate to the nuances of character interaction and emotional depth inherent in subtext, as it simply describes what happens in the story rather than the emotional groundwork that supports those actions.