Biology
Language
Culture
Economy
Everyday life
The government
The magic (if appropriate)
The cosmology (if appropriate)
Religion and beliefs
The technology
War/the potential for wars
Settings
Planning the world of a story is a crucial step in the creative process, as it sets the stage for the events that unfold and the characters that inhabit it.
- Define the Setting: Decide where your story takes place. Is it a contemporary setting, historical, futuristic, or fantastical? Understanding the time period and location will help shape the world's parameters.
- Cultural and Social Context: Consider the culture, social structures, and traditions of your world. How do people interact with each other? What are the norms and taboos? This context will add depth to your story and its characters.
- Political Landscape: Define the political system and power dynamics at play. Is it a democracy, monarchy, theocracy, or something else entirely? Who are the key players and what are their motivations?
- Technology and Magic: Determine the level of technology or magical systems present in your world. Are you working with a world similar to our own, or is it科幻, fantasy, or steampunk? This will affect how characters navigate their environment and solve problems.
- Economic Structure: Understand the economic system of your world. Is it capitalist, socialist, or based on a barter system? How does trade work, and what is the currency?
- Geography and Environment: Create a map of your world if it's not clearly defined. Include landmarks, bodies of water, and unique geographic features. Consider the climate and how it affects the lives of your characters.