The first step in world-building is to establish the setting. This includes creating a map of your world, deciding on the climate and terrain, and determining the geography and landmarks of your world. Depending on the needs of your story or project, this process can be as detailed or as broad as you like.

Establishing the setting of your world is a critical step in the world-building process. The setting is the foundation of your world, and it can significantly impact the cultures, history, and characters that inhabit it.

Here are some tips for establishing the setting of your world:

Create a Map

One of the first things you should do when establishing the setting of your world is to create a map. This map can be as straightforward or as detailed as you like, but it should give you a sense of your world's geography, landmarks, and terrain. This map can help you visualize the different regions of your world and understand how they relate to each other.

Determine the Climate and Terrain

Once you have a map of your world, you can start to think about the climate and terrain of your different regions. The climate and terrain can significantly impact your world's cultures and creatures. For example, a desert region may have a culture that values water and conservation, while a mountainous region may have a culture that values strength and endurance.

Create Landmarks

Landmarks are unique and recognizable features of your world that can help create a sense of place and history. These landmarks can be natural, like mountains or rivers, or man-made, like ruins or monuments. Creating landmarks can also help establish a sense of scale for your world and give your audience a sense of its history and culture.

Consider the Different Regions

Finally, it's essential to consider the different regions of your world and how they relate to each other. For example, a coastal region may have a different culture and economy than an inland region. These distinct regions can create opportunities for conflict and cooperation, as well as provide opportunities for exploration and discovery.

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The history of your world can have a significant impact on the development of your cultures. Developing the history of your world is a crucial component of world-building. History provides a sense of context and depth to your world, and can inform the motivations and actions of your characters.

Here are some tips for developing history in your world:

Create a Timeline

Creating a timeline of major events in the history of your world can help you understand how your world has developed over time. Consider creating a timeline that spans several centuries or even millennia. This timeline can help you understand the causes and effects of historical events and how they have shaped the cultures and societies in your world.

Consider Causes and Effects

When developing the history of your world, it's essential to consider the causes and effects of historical events. For example, a war between two factions may have started over a territorial dispute. Still, the effects of the war may have lasting consequences that shape the politics and social structures of your world for generations.

Develop Historical Figures

Creating historical figures, like kings, queens, and heroes, can provide a sense of continuity and tradition in your world. Consider developing these figures as fully realized characters with motivations and beliefs. These historical figures can be the subject of legends and myths in your world, providing opportunities for storytelling and exploration.

Consider Different Perspectives

When developing history in your world, it's essential to consider different perspectives. The victors often write history, so it's essential to consider the perspectives of other cultures and societies in your world. This can provide a more nuanced and complex view of the historical events in your world and inform your characters' motivations and actions.

Think about Historical Artifacts

Historical artifacts, like ruins, artifacts, and relics, can provide tangible evidence of the history of your world. Consider developing these artifacts as unique and significant objects with their own histories and stories. These artifacts can provide opportunities for exploration and discovery and context for the historical events in your world.

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Creating compelling characters is an essential component of world-building. Characters provide the lens through which your audience experiences your world, and can inform the cultures, history, and conflicts in your world.

Here are some tips for creating characters in your world:

Consider the Cultures and Societies in Your World

When creating characters in your world, it's important to consider the cultures and societies that they come from. Consider the values, customs, and traditions of these cultures, and how they might inform the personality and behavior of your characters. For example, a character from a society that values honor and duty might have a strong sense of responsibility, while a character from a society that values individuality might be more rebellious and independent.

Develop Backstories for Your Characters

Creating backstories for your characters can provide a sense of history and depth to your world. Consider the upbringing, experiences, and motivations of your characters, and how these might inform their behavior in your world. Backstories can also provide opportunities for conflict and cooperation among your characters.

Consider the Impact of Magic and Technology

If magic and technology play a significant role in your world, consider how this might impact your characters. For example, a character with magical abilities might have a different sense of self and responsibility than a character without magical abilities. Similarly, a character with access to advanced technology might have a different perspective on the world than a character without this access.

Create Flawed Characters

Creating flawed characters can add depth and complexity to your world. Consider giving your characters flaws and weaknesses that they must overcome throughout the course of your story. This can create opportunities for character development and can make your characters more relatable and interesting to your audience.

Consider Different Perspectives

When creating characters in your world, it's important to consider different perspectives. This can include perspectives from different cultures and societies, as well as perspectives from different characters with different backgrounds and experiences. This can provide a more nuanced and complex view of your world, and can create opportunities for exploration and discovery.


Art by Maxime Schiller - Watch his exclusive Master Class on IAMAG