Other areas have more general cultures and political ideals, so individual family culture and politics may play a bigger role in a character’s development. Some areas have strong and specific cultures, which are often intertwined with political ideals. It is important to consider how a town’s or region’s politics and culture intersect with a character’s goals, decisions, relationships, career choices, etc. While actions or goals might be temporarily hindered, they should also provide opportunities for progression and growth for the character, such as overcoming a fear or physical limitation.Ī character’s political views and cultural background greatly impact how he sees himself or the larger world. A storm might knock out power when it’s needed most or a swampy landscape might make tracking a suspect slow or impossible. Bad weather or rough geography can also be a help if it pushes the story in the desired direction (seeking shelter together or providing strenuous activity to clear the mind).Ī hindering climate or geography will frustrate a goal or action, through ultimately continue to advance the storyline. Good weather and a pleasant geographical area can further deep thinking, romantic opportunity, or clam reflection. In this case, neither is usually mentioned more than in passing.Ī helping climate or geography will provide support to the purpose of the scene, whether that be physical, emotional, or mental. When writing a scene, consider whether the climate and geography will help, hinder, or remain neutral.Ī neutral climate or geography will have little to no impact on the events or actions of the scene. Weather and geography can influence both the storyline and a character’s thoughts or actions. Factors may include, weather, decor, time of day/night, sounds, lighting, colors, formal or informal environment, other people in the scene, topic of conversation, and more. Whether mimicking a real setting or creating a fictional one, mood and atmosphere need to be considered in order for a scene to connect with the reader in the way you want it to.ĭetermine what type of mood and atmosphere will best serve the scene, then break down what will help create the right mood and atmosphere. Some ideas, freedoms, or information were simply unavailable in certain time periods and will affect how a character views his or her self or the world. Certain concepts and ideas were not widespread or commonly understood in one period versus another. This type of research is also important to know because it will impact the character. Become familiar with those factors in order to accurately portray a specific time period. When writing in a time period not modern or not personally experienced, it is important to thoroughly research the technology, politics, fashion, slang and speech styles, important historical events, differences in geography or town/city structures, etc.Įvery time period develops its own social and political culture that is created by a variety of factors. This is easier when dealing with the modern world, or a time period you personally experienced. Time period plays an integral part in creating an accurate and believable setting. Think about what experiences a particular place would have available that will influence developing values. Aspects to consider include, family bonds, responsibility or duty to the community, obedience to elders or leaders, respect for other cultures, etc. Place is also important in determining what a character has learned to value. City dwelling requires different survival skills than country living and classical ballet may not have been an option in a small, rural town. Location also helps determines what hobbies, skills, or habits a character might develop. Consider how the land and nature has impacted her life, or how a lack of either may create a sense of fear or longing. Where a character lives or was raised will impact how she thinks and what she values. Instability may breed disillusionment and rebellion while stability encourages things to stay as they are and may either be peaceful or boring. It’s also important to consider the stability or chaotic nature of a social environment. A social environment can be encouraging and supportive or destructive and hindering. It can impact confidence and expectations the character holds for himself or that others hold for him. The social environment a character inhabits affects their place in society, how she view herself and how others view her. Many aspects of setting have the potential to affect character and story.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |