Story Settings and Characters

Every great story needs a setting (where it happens) and characters (who it happens to).

Creating a Setting

A setting is the time and place where a story happens. Good settings use the five senses, create a mood, and include specific details.

Setting Examples

Boring: The house was old. Better: The house stood at the end of a winding lane. Its windows were dark, and ivy crawled up the cracked walls. A cold wind made the gate creak.

Creating Characters

Characters should feel real. Include appearance, personality, actions, and speech.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of telling the reader ("She was angry"), show it: She slammed her fist on the table. Her face turned red.

Activity

1. Choose a setting (a castle, a forest, a spaceship)
2. Write 3-4 sentences describing it using the senses
3. Create a character who lives there
4. Write the opening of their story