How to build a fictional world - Kate Messner

Summary

This script explores the art of world-building in fiction, drawing parallels between the consistency of fictional universes and our own. It delves into the creative process, emphasizing the importance of establishing a setting, timeline, societal rules, and daily life to create a believable world. The speaker shares personal insights on crafting detailed environments that influence characters and conflicts, ultimately shaping compelling narratives.

Takeaways

• 🧙 Gandalf is one of five wizards in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth, sent by the Valar to guide inhabitants against Sauron, with a mortal body but an immortal spirit.
• 🎬 In the Matrix, awakened humans can quickly learn skills like flying a helicopter by hacking the neon binary code, while the One can do so effortlessly with just a pair of shades.
• 😺 Cheshire cats, a whimsical reference, can juggle their own heads, symbolizing the fantastical elements in fictional worlds.
• 📱 The script humorously mentions that iPads are rudimentary compared to the magical and advanced technology in fictional worlds.
• 🏉 No Quidditch match ends until the Golden Snitch is caught, highlighting the importance of rules in fictional sports and worlds.
• 🔢 The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything is 42, a nod to Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
• 🌍 Fictional worlds operate within a spectrum of physical and societal rules, making them believable and comprehensible for readers.
• 📚 The Law of Gravity is a real-life constant, but in the world of 'Harry Potter', it doesn't apply within the pages of the books, showing the power of fiction over reality.
• 🛠 Authors of science fiction and fantasy create intricate worlds with rules, maps, languages, and cultures that give rise to compelling stories.
• 🧠 The process of understanding fictional worlds involves both logical and emotional decoding of complex narratives that can deeply affect readers.
• ✍️ To build a fictional world, start with a basic place and time, create a timeline, and brainstorm answers to detailed questions about the world's rules, government, beliefs, and daily life.
• 🌟 Once the world is well-defined, set characters free within it to explore how the world shapes them and what conflicts may arise, leading to a compelling story.

Q & A

What role do the wizards, including Gandalf, play in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth?

In Tolkien's world, wizards like Gandalf are sent by the Valar to guide the inhabitants of Middle Earth in their struggles against the dark force of Sauron. Gandalf's spirit is immortal, allowing for his resurrection from Gandalf the Grey to Gandalf the White.

How does the Matrix in the Wachowski's script enable humans to learn complex skills quickly?

In the Matrix, awakened humans can link up and hack the neon binary code to rapidly acquire skills such as flying a helicopter, or even bypassing the need for physical transportation if they are the One.

What is the significance of the number 42 in the context of the script?

The number 42 is presented as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, highlighting the theme of fictional worlds having their own consistent rules and logic.

How does the script relate the suspension of disbelief in fictional worlds to the real world?

The script suggests that the Law of Gravity, a real-world constant, is suspended within the fictional world of 'Harry Potter,' emphasizing how readers can immerse themselves in these worlds despite their fantastical nature.

What is the process of creating a fictional world according to the script?

The script outlines a process that includes establishing a basic place and time, creating a timeline, brainstorming answers to detailed world questions, and considering day-to-day life aspects such as weather, society, and technology.

What are some of the societal and governance questions the script suggests to consider when building a fictional world?

The script recommends considering the type of government, who holds power, societal values, and the rules and punishments for breaking them within the fictional world.

How does the script emphasize the importance of understanding the world one creates for storytelling?

The script suggests that understanding the fictional world as well as the characters do, and knowing how the world shapes its inhabitants, is crucial for creating a compelling story and believable conflicts.

What role does imagination play in creating fictional worlds according to the script?

Imagination is essential for creating fictional worlds, as it allows authors to build intricate settings, characters, and narratives that can captivate readers and challenge their perspectives.

What is the relationship between the fictional worlds and the real world as depicted in the script?

The script illustrates that fictional worlds, while separate from the real world, can influence and change a reader's perspective on reality, showing a dynamic interplay between fiction and reality.

How does the script encourage aspiring writers to start creating their own fictional worlds?

The script encourages writers to start with a basic place and time, delve into the details of their world, and consider the impact of the world on its inhabitants, ultimately setting their characters free to see what stories emerge.