The Worldbuilder’s Toolkit: Character Integration into Your World
When building a fantasy or science fiction world, creating characters who feel integral to that world is key to crafting a compelling and immersive story. Characters should not only fit within the setting but also drive and be driven by the world around them. Seamless integration of characters into their environments enriches the narrative and helps readers fully engage with both the characters and the world. Here’s how writers can ensure their characters are woven into their fantasy or science fiction worlds in a meaningful and impactful way.
The Basics of Character Integration
Establish a Strong World Foundation
Before integrating characters, it’s crucial to have a well-defined world. This includes its geography, politics, culture, and history. Characters need to have a clear place within this framework. For example, if your world features a complex political system, think about how a character’s role within that system affects their motivations and actions. If your world is rife with magical phenomena, consider how these elements influence the character’s daily life and personal journey.
In Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, the unique magic system of Allomancy directly influences the protagonist, Vin. Her abilities shape her role in the political upheaval and drive her personal growth, making her integration into the world both natural and pivotal.
Develop Character Backgrounds Aligned with World History
Characters should have backstories that reflect and interact with the world’s history. This helps make their experiences and motivations feel authentic. A character’s past should be influenced by major world events, cultural norms, and societal structures.
Understand key historical events in your world and incorporate them into your characters’ backstories. For example, if your world has recently emerged from a devastating war, a character might be a veteran, an orphan, or a member of a resistance group formed during the conflict.
Reflect how historical events have shaped cultural norms and societal values. A character from a culture that has undergone a revolution may have different values and outlooks than one from a more stable region.
Ensure that your character’s personal history is influenced by and reflects the broader historical events. For instance, a character might be driven by a personal vendetta tied to a historical injustice or be working to restore their family’s honor after a significant historical loss.
Consider how a character’s family history connects to the larger world events. This could involve hereditary roles, long-standing rivalries, or historical achievements that affect the character’s status and motivations.
Reflect on how significant changes in the world, such as the rise of a new political regime or a technological breakthrough, have impacted your character’s life. This could be reflected in their status, job, or personal conflicts.
In The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, Kvothe’s background as an orphan and his experiences with a traveling troupe tie deeply into the world’s lore and its political unrest, giving his personal story relevance and depth.
Create Meaningful Personal Motivations
Characters should have motivations that resonate with the world’s circumstances. Their goals and desires should be influenced by the world’s conflicts, opportunities, and challenges. This not only adds depth to the characters but also drives the plot forward in a way that feels natural.
In Dune by Frank Herbert, Paul Atreides’ motivations are deeply tied to the political intrigue and environmental challenges of Arrakis. His quest for revenge and his destiny as the Kwisatz Haderach are directly linked to the planet’s spice economy and its cultural significance.
Incorporate Cultural Elements into Character Design
Cultural aspects such as traditions, norms, and societal roles should influence character design. Characters should reflect the values and customs of their world, from their clothing and speech to their behaviors and beliefs.
In The Broken Empire trilogy by Mark Lawrence, the protagonist Jorg Ancrath’s ruthless nature and actions reflect the brutal, survival-of-the-fittest culture of his world, adding layers to his character and providing a critique of his society.
Integrate Characters with Technology & Magic
If your world features advanced technology or magic, ensure that your characters’ interactions with these elements are consistent and meaningful. Characters should either have access to, be influenced by, or struggle against the technological or magical aspects of their world.
In Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan, the protagonist, Takeshi Kovacs, navigates a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies. His personal struggles and motivations are shaped by this technology, influencing his actions and interactions with other characters.
Show Character Development Through World Interaction
Characters should evolve as they interact with the world around them. Their experiences should shape their growth and decisions, leading to a natural progression in their development. This interaction can be shown through their responses to world events, their adaptation to changing environments, or their involvement in major plot points.
In The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey, the characters’ development is deeply intertwined with the political and social upheavals in the solar system. Their growth is directly influenced by their reactions to events such as the discovery of the protomolecule and the resulting interplanetary tensions.
Use Character’s Personal Stakes to Reflect World Conflicts
Personal stakes should reflect and amplify the larger conflicts of the world. By aligning a character’s personal challenges with the world’s major issues, you create a more engaging and cohesive narrative.
In Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, characters such as Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen have personal stakes that reflect the broader conflicts of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. Their personal journeys are entwined with the political and social upheavals of their world.
Reflect Character’s Personal Motivations as a Window into World-Building
A character’s personal motivations often reveal much about the world they inhabit. By aligning characters’ goals, desires, and conflicts with the world’s broader dynamics, writers can offer readers a deeper understanding of the setting. Motivations can highlight societal norms, cultural values, and historical conflicts, providing a nuanced view of the world.
A character’s ambitions or fears can reflect societal values. For instance, a character striving for political power in a world where leadership is highly prized underscores the importance of status and influence within that society.
Characters driven by personal honor or family legacy can reveal cultural attitudes towards these concepts. A character’s quest to restore their family’s honor might reflect a culture’s deep-seated values around lineage and reputation.
Motivations linked to past events can shed light on the world’s history. A character seeking revenge for a historical injustice can highlight unresolved conflicts and historical grievances that shape current societal tensions.
Characters motivated by wealth or resources can reveal economic conditions and priorities in the world. A mercenary driven by the promise of gold might indicate a society where wealth is a significant motivator, and economic disparities are pronounced.
Characters whose motivations are influenced by technology or magic can provide insight into how these elements shape daily life and societal structures. A character seeking to control a powerful magical artifact might reflect the importance of magical power in their world.
In The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, Rand al’Thor’s journey is driven by his role as the Dragon Reborn, a figure central to the world’s prophecy. His motivations reveal the religious and cultural significance of prophecy and its impact on the world’s political and social structures.
Ensure Consistency & Realism
Consistency is key to making characters feel integrated into their world. Ensure that character actions, motivations, and development align with the world’s rules and logic. This consistency helps maintain immersion and believability.
In The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, the characters’ abilities and limitations are consistent with the magic system’s rules. The way characters use and react to the One Power reflects the established logic of the world, enhancing realism and immersion.
Reflect Real-World Influences
Drawing inspiration from real-world cultures, historical events, and personal experiences can add authenticity to your characters. Consider how real-world dynamics and experiences can be reflected in your characters’ interactions and development.
In The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, Kvothe’s experiences with different cultures and his background in a traveling troupe reflect the diverse influences of real-world cultures, adding depth and richness to his character and the world.
The Impact of Culture on Character Development
Culture plays a significant role in shaping a character’s identity, values, and behaviors. Characters should not only fit within the setting but also drive and be driven by the world around them. Here’s some ideas of how to incorporate cultural elements into character development.
Cultural Values
A character’s values often reflect the broader cultural values of their society. Consider how a character’s beliefs and priorities align with or conflict with the cultural norms of their world. For instance, a character from a culture that values honor above all else might be driven by a strong sense of duty or a quest to restore their family’s reputation.
In The Last Airbender series, the Fire Nation’s aggressive pursuit of dominance contrasts with the more peaceful and balanced values of the Air Nomads, influencing the protagonist Aang’s personal journey and decisions.
Superstitions & Beliefs
Superstitions and religious beliefs can deeply affect a character’s actions and worldview. Characters might adhere to rituals or traditions that reflect their culture’s beliefs, influencing their behavior and decisions. These elements can add depth to a character’s motivations and create opportunities for conflict and growth.
In The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss, the cultural belief in the “Name of the Wind” and its significance to the world’s magic system impacts Kvothe’s journey and understanding of his own powers.
Clothing & Appearance
The way characters dress can reveal a lot about their cultural background and status. Clothing styles, colors, and accessories often reflect societal norms and can indicate a character’s social standing or profession. Use clothing to visually reinforce cultural elements and character traits.
In The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Katniss Everdeen’s clothing reflects her background from the impoverished District 12, contrasting with the opulent and extravagant attire of those from the Capitol.
Religious Beliefs & Practices
Religious beliefs and practices can shape a character’s worldview and actions. Consider how a character’s religion influences their decisions, rituals, and interactions with others. Religious conflicts or alliances can drive plot points and character development.
In The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson, the religious beliefs of different factions influence their actions and societal structures. The character of Kaladin Stormblessed grapples with his own beliefs and the expectations of his culture throughout the series.
Social Norms & Customs
Social norms and customs shape how characters interact with each other and their environment. These norms can dictate behavior, etiquette, and societal roles. By reflecting these norms in character interactions, writers can create a more immersive and believable world.
In The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, the social customs and academic norms of the University influence Kvothe’s behavior and interactions with others, providing insight into the world’s educational system and social structure.
Showing Versus Telling
Integrating characters seamlessly into a fictional world is essential for creating a believable and immersive story. This is especially important in fantasy and science fiction where a writer is building an entire world that the characters need to be connected to. A key technique in achieving this integration is understanding the difference between “showing” and “telling,” and applying these techniques effectively to convey a character’s place in their world.
Showing involves illustrating aspects of your characters and world through actions, dialogues, and sensory details. It allows readers to infer information and draw conclusions based on what they observe. In contrast, telling provides information directly, often through exposition or narration. While both techniques have their place, showing generally creates a more engaging and immersive experience.
Showing
Reveal character traits and relationships through their actions and decisions. For example, rather than stating that a character is brave, show them taking a courageous action.
Use conversations to reveal character motivations, background, and relationships. Characters’ speech patterns and topics of discussion can provide insights into their world.
Describe the environment and the character’s interactions with it. Details such as the smell of a marketplace or the feel of different textures can immerse readers in the setting.
Telling
Provide background information or context directly through narration. This can be useful for setting up the world or explaining complex systems.
Clearly state character traits or world details when necessary, especially if it’s crucial for understanding the plot.
Applying Showing & Telling to Character Integration
To integrate characters seamlessly into your world, use both showing and telling to create a well-rounded depiction of their relationship to the world.
Character Backgrounds
Showing – Instead of telling readers that a character is from a poor background, show their struggle with financial constraints through their actions, such as choosing cheaper, less durable clothing or avoiding luxurious establishments.
Telling – Directly state that the character comes from a poor background and provide a brief overview of their past.
Cultural Impact
Showing – Illustrate how a character adheres to cultural customs by describing their participation in rituals or adherence to local taboos. For instance, if a character avoids certain foods due to cultural beliefs, show their reaction when offered those foods.
Telling – Describe the cultural norms and expectations and then explain how the character follows or deviates from them.
Influence of World Events on Characters
Showing – If a recent war has affected the world, show its impact on your character through their behavior, such as showing signs of PTSD, avoiding certain areas, or participating in post-war recovery efforts.
Telling – Provide a summary of the war’s impact and then state how it has influenced the character’s current situation.
Character Motivations
Showing – Reveal a character’s motivations through their decisions and conflicts. If a character is driven by a desire for revenge, show how their actions and interactions reflect this motivation, such as seeking out those responsible or engaging in risky behavior.Telling – State that the character is motivated by revenge and briefly outline their plans or goals.
Impact of Technology or Magic on Characters
Showing – Demonstrate how technology or magic affects the character’s daily life and interactions. For example, if magic is common in the world, show the character using it in their routine tasks or facing challenges due to its limitations.
Telling – Describe the technological or magical advancements and then explain how the character interacts with or is affected by them.
Balancing Showing & Telling
While showing is often more immersive and engaging, there are times when telling is more practical, especially when conveying necessary background information or complex concepts. The key is to balance both techniques to provide a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of your characters and their world.
Use showing for critical scenes where character development and world-building are crucial. This will allow readers to experience the story more vividly. Employ telling for necessary context that provides readers with a foundational understanding of the world or character. Combine showing and telling to create a layered portrayal of characters. For instance, show a character’s reactions to a cultural festival and tell the significance of the festival in the context of the world’s history.
The Iceberg Theory & Other Schools of Thought
When integrating characters into a fantasy or science fiction world, how much of the world-building should be shown, and how much should remain beneath the surface? Various schools of thought offer different approaches, each influencing how characters interact with and are perceived within their worlds. One of the most influential concepts is the Iceberg Theory, but there are other strategies that can be equally effective.
The Iceberg Theory
This theory, popularized by author Ernest Hemingway, suggests that only a small portion of a story’ details should be visible to the reader, while the majority remains hidden beneath the surface. The visible part—the tip of the iceberg—represents the aspects of the world and characters that are explicitly shown. The submerged part—the bulk of the iceberg—contains the deeper, more complex details that are implied or suggested rather than directly presented.
You can apply this theory to character integration by revealing just enough of the world-building to give readers a sense of the setting and its impact on the characters. For example, if your world has a complex magical system, show characters using magic in their daily lives without delving into the intricate details of how the magic works.
Use subtle hints and references to suggest a rich, complex world. This can be achieved through character interactions, historical references, and cultural practices. For instance, a character might casually reference a past conflict or a revered tradition, giving readers insight into the world’s history without exhaustive exposition.
This approach keeps readers intrigued by leaving some aspects of the world to their imagination. It also allows the story to progress without bogging down in extensive world-building details and adds layers of depth and complexity to the world, encouraging readers to piece together information.
The In-Media-Res Approach
This method introduces characters and plot events in the midst of action or conflict, gradually revealing world-building details through their experiences. Characters might be thrust into a world already in motion, and readers learn about the world as the characters do. This approach keeps the narrative dynamic and immersive. For example, a character escaping from an oppressive regime might learn about the world’s political landscape and history through their interactions with allies and adversaries.
The Exposition Dump
This approach provide extensive background information in one go, usually through a prologue, flashback, or detailed dialogue.While this method can quickly establish the world’s context, it risks overwhelming readers. It’s often used sparingly and balanced with showing to avoid narrative stagnation.
An example of this method would be a prologue describing the world’s history and magic system, followed by scenes that show how these elements impact the characters.
The Embedded Information Approach
This method integrates world-building details into character interactions and plot events naturally, rather than as separate information. World-building is woven into the narrative through characters’ behaviors, dialogue, and reactions, making it a seamless part of the story.
An example could be character conversations about recent political changes or cultural practices reveal the world’s complexities without explicit exposition.
Example of Character Integration: Kaz Brekker
To illustrate how to integrate characters into a fantasy or science fiction world, let’s explore a character from a current book series: Kaz Brekker from Leigh Bardugo’s “Six of Crows” series. Kaz Brekker is a standout example of how a character can be seamlessly woven into a richly developed world, making their background and motivations meaningful while enhancing the overall narrative.
Kaz Brekker is a complex anti-hero with a deeply interwoven personal history that reflects the dark, intricate world of Ketterdam. His character provides a clear example of how integrating a character into a fantastical world can be achieved with depth and nuance.
Background & World-Building
Kaz’s background as an orphan and a street-smart thief in the crime-ridden city of Ketterdam is not just a personal detail; it directly ties into the world-building of the city. The harsh realities of Ketterdam’s criminal underworld and its political intrigues shape Kaz’s character and actions. Ketterdam is a bustling, diverse city with a thriving black market and complex power structures. Kaz’s role as a thief and his deep knowledge of the city’s underbelly highlight its gritty nature and influence on its inhabitants.
Personal Motivations
Kaz’s personal motivations, including his quest for revenge and his desire to build an empire, are intricately linked to the world’s dynamics. His drive to amass wealth and power is a response to the corruption and violence he has witnessed. Kaz’s complex relationship with his past and his strategic mind are shaped by his experiences in Ketterdam. His actions and decisions reflect the city’s harsh realities and the broader political and social struggles within the world.
Cultural & Social Elements
Kaz’s attire, language, and interactions with other characters reflect the culture of Ketterdam. His dark clothing, pragmatic speech, and network of informants are emblematic of the city’s crime-ridden society. Kaz’s leadership and his way of interacting with his crew emphasize the cutthroat, survivalist mentality of Ketterdam’s underworld. His relationships with other characters and his methods reflect the city’s unique culture and social norms.
How Kaz Brekker’s Integration Enhances the Story
Kaz’s actions and interactions with the world reveal much about the setting. The dangerous alliances he navigates are not just plot devices but also serve to showcase the world’s complexities. The heists Kaz orchestrates provide insight into the world’s political and economic structures, as well as the city’s criminal elements. This not only drives the plot but also deepens the reader’s understanding of Ketterdam.
Kaz’s development throughout the series is closely tied to the world around him. His evolution from a vengeful thief to a more nuanced leader is reflective of the changing dynamics within Ketterdam and the broader world. His journey is a direct result of the world’s impact on him and his responses to it.
Kaz’s character and his world are presented with a mix of direct exposition and subtle hints. The depth of Ketterdam’s politics and Kaz’s backstory is revealed gradually, allowing readers to piece together the world’s complexity. This approach maintains intrigue and allows for a deeper understanding of the setting and character.
The Writers Toolkit
Integrating characters seamlessly into your fantasy or science fiction world is essential for creating a compelling and immersive story. Integrating characters effectively ensures that they not only fit seamlessly into their environment but also contribute meaningfully to the unfolding story. Here are some practical tips to ensure that your characters feel like a natural part of their world and contribute meaningfully to the narrative.
Consistency Checks – Regularly review how characters interact with the world to maintain consistency and realism. Ensure that world-building details are consistent with the characters’ backgrounds and the story’s setting. Avoid introducing elements that feel out of place or disrupt the narrative flow.
Develop a Deep Understanding of Your World – Before integrating your characters, thoroughly develop your world’s geography, history, culture, politics, and social norms. Understanding the nuances of your world will help you align your characters’ backgrounds, motivations, and actions with their environment. If your world has a strict caste system, consider how this impacts your character’s opportunities, social interactions, and personal aspirations.
Align Character Backgrounds with World History – Ensure that your characters’ backstories are influenced by the world’s history and major events. Their experiences should reflect the significant occurrences that have shaped the society they live in. Ensure that characters’ actions and decisions have a tangible impact on the world and vice versa. For example, a character from a war-torn region should have personal stakes related to that conflict, such as loss or a quest for revenge.
Embed Cultural Influences in Character Traits – Infuse your characters with elements from their cultural background, such as traditional values, customs, language, and attire. This helps ground them in their world and makes their behavior more authentic. A character from a culture that values honor might have a strong sense of duty and display specific rituals or gestures that reflect their upbringing.
Show, Don’t Just Tell – Use your characters’ actions, choices, and dialogue to reveal their connection to the world. Avoid lengthy expository passages and instead show how the world influences their decisions and behavior. Use a mix of showing and telling to reveal world-building details gradually. Allow characters to discover and interact with the world in ways that reveal its depth. Drop subtle hints about the world’s deeper elements, allowing readers to piece together information. This approach maintains intrigue and encourages engagement. Instead of stating that a character is a skilled warrior, show them using their combat skills in a way that highlights their training and the martial culture they come from.
Incorporate Personal Motivations – Characters’ personal motivations should be tied to the world’s dynamics. Their goals and conflicts should be influenced by their environment, making their journeys feel relevant and impactful. A character seeking to uncover hidden magical artifacts might be driven by a prophecy or historical legend relevant to their world.
Use Environmental Challenges – Create challenges and obstacles that are unique to your world and affect your characters. These can include environmental hazards, political conflicts, or resource shortages that impact their journey and decisions. For example, in a world with frequent magical storms, characters might need to navigate hazardous weather conditions, influencing their travel plans and interactions.
Introduce World-Specific Skills & Knowledge – Characters should possess skills or knowledge that are specific to their world. These can be related to magic, technology, or cultural practices and should influence how they interact with their environment. A character with knowledge of ancient runes could use this expertise to unlock magical secrets or solve problems that are unique to their world.
Create Meaningful Relationships – Develop relationships between characters that reflect their world’s social structures and cultural norms. These relationships can highlight various aspects of your world and deepen character interactions. A character might have a mentor-mentee relationship that reflects a traditional apprenticeship system or a rivalry based on political factions.
Balance Internal & External Conflicts – Ensure that your characters’ internal conflicts are intertwined with external world events. This integration helps make their personal struggles feel significant and connected to the broader narrative. A character’s struggle with self-doubt might mirror a larger societal conflict, such as a revolution or cultural shift.
Utilize the Iceberg Theory – Apply the Iceberg Theory by providing only part of the world’s depth and complexity directly in the narrative. Allow readers to infer the broader context and background, which enhances immersion and intrigue. Drop subtle hints about a character’s past or the world’s history through dialogue, artifacts, or brief flashbacks, encouraging readers to piece together the full picture.
Character Perspectives – Filter world-building through the characters’ experiences and perspectives. Their observations and reactions provide insight into the world’s complexities.
By focusing on these elements, you can create characters who feel deeply integrated into your fantasy or science fiction worlds, making for a more immersive and engaging narrative. Characters become more than just participants in the plot—they become authentic representatives of their world’s culture and values, enhancing the depth and believability of your story. Happy world-building!
I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions by using the Contact Me form on my website or by writing a comment. I post every Friday and would be grateful if you would share my content.
If you want my blog delivered straight to your inbox every month along with exclusive content and giveaways, please sign up for my email list here.
Let’s get writing!
Copyright © 2024 Rebecca Shedd. All rights reserved.
Rebecca Shedd - Author 