S e t t i n g
  • Setting is all about WHERE and WHEN your story takes place. It is used to understand an experience.

  • Setting controls the type of people living there

  • Something important to remember: Setting + Character(s) = Plot

  • It EVOKES something

  • Setting is created using description, but beware, don’t over describe! Establish what is important, if a character feels one way, the setting should reflect it and evoke those feelings

  • An idea to consider: the setting can also be the antagonist (think man versus nature stories)

  • Always remember: nothing is random. As my professor said, if there’s a gun on the table in the beginning, someone is going to get shot by the end

  • WRITING EXCERSISES

    1. Describe a character through his/her surroundings. Example: a bedroom says a lot about a person (think wall color, any posters, floor, bedding, decorations, etc.)

    2. Go online and find a picture of a landscape or cityscape and describe it. Example: settings convey feelings. If your picture is of a mountain, try to convey the feeling of coldness.