In a new post, Janice Hardy says that your story’s world can create unique problems for your protagonist. She suggests three ways to connect your setting to character and plot:
- Make the world cause problems in the protagonist’s everyday life. Think of how that simply living in your world would cause problems. Even if these challenges aren’t connected to your core story problem, these elements make life more difficult. In a science fiction or fantasy setting, even something as simple as going for breakfast can be dangerous.
- Make the world contribute to the novel’s core conflict. Importantly, Hardy says we should be broad in our definition of “story world.” A small town or big corporation can be your story world. Even a family dynamic can be considered your world for the sake of your central conflict.
- Make the world influence how the protagonist solves their goals. Finally, Hardy suggests viewing your setting challenges in light of your plot points and character goals. How does the story world make it harder for your protagonist to succeed? What aspects might they leverage to get what they want?
