Anthropomorphizing Part Two
Anthropomorphizing a setting can add emotional resonance to a story, making the environment a character in its own right. Here are some strategies and considerations for authors looking to bring their settings to life:
1. Give It Emotional Qualities
Assign emotions or moods to your setting based on the events or the general atmosphere you want to convey. For example, a forest could be serene and whispering with secrets on a calm day, but turn menacing and whisper harsh judgments during a storm. These emotional qualities make the setting resonate with readers on a deeper level.
2. Use Descriptive, Sensory Details
Engage all five senses to describe the setting, not just the visual aspects. The sound of a city, the smell of a meadow, the taste of the air after rain, the feel of cobblestone streets, or the warmth of a small town's sun can all bring a setting to life. Sensory details can make a place feel lived-in and real.
3. Let It Influence the Plot
Allow the setting to impact the plot or characters' decisions in significant ways. A mountain might actively challenge climbers with its treacherous paths, or a city might seem to conspire against a character by way of its labyrinthine alleys and unpredictable weather. When the setting influences the plot, it becomes an active participant in the story.
4. Personify Elements of the Setting
Give human characteristics to parts of the setting. For example, a building might "glare down" on characters, or a forest could "embrace" them as they enter. This technique makes the setting feel alive and capable of interacting with the characters.
5. Reflect Characters' Emotions
The setting can mirror the internal states of characters, creating an external manifestation of their feelings. A tumultuous sea might reflect a character's turmoil, while a bustling, vibrant market could echo a character's sense of wonder and curiosity.
6. Develop a Backstory for the Setting
Just like characters, settings with a rich history feel more alive. Consider the past events that have shaped the setting, the people who have lived there, and how their stories have left marks on the place. This backstory can add layers of depth to the setting, making it feel like a character with its own life story.
7. Use Symbolism
Assign symbolic meanings to aspects of the setting to deepen its connection with the story's themes or characters. A decaying mansion might symbolize the decline of the family that lives there, or a lone tree surviving in a desert could represent hope.
8. Engage Characters with the Setting
Show characters interacting with the setting in personal ways. A character might have a favorite spot that's their refuge, or there might be a part of the city they're afraid to venture into. These interactions can lend the setting personal significance and emotional weight.
9. Incorporate Cultural or Social Elements
The setting can reflect the cultural or social dynamics of the world you're building. The way buildings are constructed, the layout of a town, or the natural features of a landscape can all speak to the history, values, and conflicts of the people who inhabit your world.
10. Evolve the Setting
Allow the setting to change over time, responding to the events of the story or the actions of characters. A war-torn land might slowly heal, or a bustling city might decay. Change in the setting can parallel the growth or decline of characters, reinforcing the setting's role as a dynamic entity in the story.
By treating your setting with the same care and detail as you would a character, you can create a rich, immersive world that captivates readers and enhances the emotional impact of your story.