In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Angela Ackerman says that your setting can provide a dash of organic conflict that spices up your story. “Internally, conflict generates a tug-of-war between the character’s fears, beliefs, needs, values, and desires,” she says. “Externally, it pushes the plot onward by supplying the resistance needed to force characters to scrutinize their world, make choices, and take action to get what they want.”
Conflict can come from anywhere, but one element that writers may overlook is setting.
“The location of each scene contains inherent dangers and risks, meaning you can mine those to create problems and remind the character of the cost of failure,” Ackerman writers. “Drawing conflict from your setting also gives it a greater role in the story. Rather than be a ‘stage’ for action to unfold, your setting becomes a participant.”
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, Ackerman suggests some tips:
- Choose Settings Thoughtfully. Some settings will be obvious, because they are necessary for your plot. However, many of your scenes may occur in an ordinary setting. When you have these options, craft a location that holds emotional value for your character. Pick a restaurant where your character experienced a romantic break-up or a store where he got caught shoplifting. “Good or bad, any setting that plays upon their emotional volatility will increase their chances of saying or doing something they’ll regret,” Ackerman says. Also look for objects within the setting with emotional resonance. For example, a family home or their church could be filled with memories, not all of them pleasant.
- Use Natural Obstacles. Use actual physical roadblocks to make your character’s life difficult. This may be a mountain pass or flooded street, or something as common as a locked door or a security guard. Bad weather or car trouble can impede your character. Consider providing an audience for an emotional scene, to add an extra layer of discomfort to an argument or embarrassing situation.
- Trigger Sensitive Emotions. Use the setting to upset your character. “If they’re struggling to put food on the table, place them in a locale where wealthy characters are eating lavishly and throwing away leftovers,” Ackerman suggests. “When you’re planning the setting for a scene, ask yourself: What could I add specifically for my character in this situation that will elevate their emotions?”
- Exploit What They Don’t Have. Does your setting lack sufficient light or present a physical threat? Perhaps your character lacks experience with a certain setting, and doesn’t know the rules or how to navigate it.
- Use Symbolism. We often associates our weaknesses and fears with specific objects or images. Consider adding symbols to the setting that may remind your character of a past failure, a regret, or unresolved pain.
- Add a Ticking Clock. Give your character a deadline and make it hard for them to meet it.
