Using Character Development for World-building
An exploration of how the character choices we make affect our world-building.
Quick refresh…
Yesterday, I talked about using the details of your world-building to flesh out a character. Tonight, I’m putting the usual Tuesday twist on that, and looking at how to use your world-building to inspire your character development.
A Familiar Face in the Strange West
What’s important to the nation?
One of the foundational elements of Argentii is the division of the old kingdom into east and west. This division resulted in a wild divergence in culture, though all the islands still remain interdependent and so the division is merely political and cultural rather than geographical, social, or economic.
I know that the Western Empire is
An ‘empire’ in name only.
Heavily reliant on technomancy.
Urban, sophisticated, and progressive.
These are very loose concepts, and while they provide a definite tone, they don’t give much to go on with regard to a person from a western culture. We can, of course, make assumptions based on our own understanding of east vs. west, but would they correspond?
I mean, a little. 🤣 I am from Indiana, after all.
The Perspective Prism
I actually know more about the character from the west than I do the Western Empire itself. This person needs to be as different as possible from the hero of the Eastern Union. The West is more urban, so this person is used to being indoors. Since the eastern hero is extroverted and sporty, then a clear opposite would be someone who is introverted and bookish.
All well and good, so far. Based on these ideas coupled with the few concrete facts that I’ve determined about the Western Empire, what other character traits can I identify?
The Hero Effect
Well, one of the key signifiers of any technological setting is a level of casual disregard for the technology. Unless the point of the story is actively developing a new technology, there is a bland contempt for the common level of technology. Like the way we don’t think about turning on a light switch or striking a match.
Being in a location where the level of technomancy is limited and old-fashioned would be very disorienting to a character from the west. They might suddenly have trouble with otherwise basic tasks, like creating light, cooking food, or even operating plumbing.
For an introverted person, being around fewer people would make for a refreshing change, at least for a while. The homesick feeling for the status quo will eventually creep up on anyone, and we are often surprised by the specific things we find ourselves missing most.
A bookish person from a progressive society will be well-read across many different areas, and will tend toward a deeper understanding of science, history, art, and philosophy. Getting into the United Guild of Scribes, Calligraphers, Illuminators, and Engravers and attending the Capitalla University of Arts and Literature is the goal.
But if we combine the love for the Guild and the University, with the newfound love of the slower pace of life on Crossroads Island, might a new goal spring up?
The Western Empire
Life in the west is uncomfortable. Sure, the technomancy makes things convenient. Rail cars, airships, steam bikes, and other amazing contraptions make it easy to transport people and goods. Automated factories make work easier.
But there is a cost to that convenience and dark rumors that have persisted for millennia. Is the blood that is sourced from the commercial farming industry truly enough to provide for the enormous demand for theeksfur and technomaniacal contraptions?
Or could there be other, more disturbing sources supplying the large airship manufacturers and other high demand needs?
I can’t wait to find out!
Coming This Week:
#Worldbuilding Wednesday: A new edition of Ask the Bard and an almost definite return to streaming on Twitch. I don’t know what time, so make sure you’re following me with those notifications TURNED ON!
Thursday: Wonderful Worldbuilding: Checking in on my goals
#FictionFriday: It’s officially NovelEmber! If you’re looking to get out of the NaNo shade, World Anvil’s got your back! NovelEmber is a brand new, month-long challenge for EVERYONE hosted by World Anvil and taking place this November! Want more information? Get all the facts right here!
Saturday: Quick Six: World-building
Sunday: New Week, New Theme
Manic Monday: Celebrating the Theme
Twisted Tuesday: Subverting the Theme
Dun dun duh!!!!