by Melanie Marten

Created on: January 05, 2010

The setting in fiction writing is as important as characterization and plot. In some genres, such as fantasy and science fiction, the setting almost becomes another character. Even in the more mainstream fiction, the setting provides more than a backdrop for the characters to act out their trials and triumphs. Quality fiction writing uses the setting to augment both characterization and the storyline in ways that are subtle yet effective.

Choosing, and appropriately describing, the correct setting in a piece of fiction writing lets the reader know much more than when and where the story is taking place. Through the use of subtle symbology, a fiction writer can create emotions with the setting. For example, the classic "it was a dark and stormy night" is a blatant announcement of what type of story the reader will get. Most times, the setting is not stated so obviously. However, the types of words used to describe the setting - those having to do with temperature, weather, and ambience - can make the reader feel a certain way.

The setting in fiction writing can also reflect and magnify the characters personalities or the events happening around them. If writing in first or limited third person, what the character notices about the setting can give a lot of information about what they find important, beautiful or even scary. Even in distant third or omniscient point of view, the parts of the setting and how they are described will let the reader know what emotion or feel the writer is trying to portray.

As mentioned above, setting can sometimes become almost like an additional character. It is often used as an outside force that creates external conflict the characters must overcome. Bad weather and treacherous terrain can not only test the mettle of the characters, but create opportunities for different characters to come together and explore and amplify their relationships. There have been many movies and books written about natural disaster that results in a man and woman finding romance.

Using a specific setting in fiction writing, such as a historical era or a particular city, can launch a mainstream book into a whole other genre. With the simply a tweak to the setting, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet becomes West Side Story. In this example, the location and time period of the story creates new facets and depths of conflict for the characters.

Quality fiction writers intent on creating books or short stories that engage the reader must understand the importance of setting in fiction writing. Using a broad brush to slap two dimensional paint on the backdrop will not  work. The setting should complement both characters and conflict with important details that create emotion in the reader.

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