I. Introduction: The Concept of Setting as Character
It’s no secret that Neil Gaiman has an extraordinary knack for breathing life into his characters, whether they’re gods, monsters, or everyday people. But the English author does something even more profound: he treats his settings as characters. In doing so, he provides an invaluable lesson in creative writing that can fundamentally transform the way you approach storytelling.
Neil Gaiman’s contribution to the world of literature is extensive, from graphic novels like “Sandman” to standalone books like “Neverwhere” and “American Gods.” His writing style is as versatile as his subject matter, straddling genres and often blending fantasy, myth, and reality in ways that defy categorization. One might argue that Gaiman’s true genius lies in his ability to create worlds as compelling and complex as the characters who inhabit them.
Setting, in Gaiman’s hands, isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing entity that interacts with the characters and influences the plot. This is an approach that any aspiring writer looking to improve their writing skills should pay attention to. By making the setting an active participant in the story, you not only enrich your narrative but also create an immersive experience for your reader.
So what exactly is setting as a character? This concept involves imbuing the story’s locale with specific qualities, rules, and dynamics that affect the actions and development of the characters. In Gaiman’s “Neverwhere,” for example, London Below isn’t just a subterranean realm; it’s a chaotic, unpredictable place with its own set of rules, its own politics, and even its own sense of time. It’s a setting that challenges the protagonist, Richard Mayhew, at every turn and becomes central to his transformation.
An often-overlooked aspect of storytelling, especially for those writing a novel for the first time, is the role of the setting. Many writers are so focused on plot and characters that the places where the story unfolds get relegated to mere descriptions, a few strokes of the brush to paint a picture but nothing more. But the setting can be so much more than that—it can be a character in its own right, with its own desires, conflicts, and arcs.
Think of Gotham City in the Batman comics or the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s “The Shining.” These settings are not passive; they engage with the characters and significantly drive the story. Gotham challenges Batman’s quest for justice at every turn. The Overlook Hotel torments Jack Torrance until his ultimate downfall. They are “alive” in the context of their narratives.
Imagine what your stories could be like if the settings were as well-rounded and thought out as your characters. This is not just a writing tip; it’s a different way of seeing the world of your story, a tool that can make your narrative richer and more engaging. The good news is that this concept is not restricted to any particular genre or style of writing. Whether you’re into science fiction, fantasy, romance, or historical fiction, you can apply this technique to make your world-building standout.
One might say the secret sauce in Neil Gaiman’s storytelling stew is the depth and personality he grants to his settings. The places in his novels are never just places; they are characters that grow, change, and have emotional impacts. It’s an underutilized strategy that you could employ to elevate your own creative writing.
To clarify, setting as character doesn’t mean your location needs to sprout arms and start interacting with your characters (though, wouldn’t that be something?). It means your setting has a soul, a vibe, and a voice—it speaks through its atmosphere, its culture, and its rules. This approach adds a layer of richness to your storytelling, making it multidimensional and deeply resonant.
II. Unpacking the Worlds: Specific Examples from Neil Gaiman’s Novels
“Neverwhere” and the Realm of London Below
In Neil Gaiman’s debut novel, “Neverwhere,” the city of London isn’t just a setting—it’s a tale of two cities. The protagonist Richard Mayhew starts off in London Above, a world we recognize, only to find himself in London Below, an underworld brimming with danger, magic, and characters of dubious moral alignment. London Below isn’t merely a backdrop for Richard’s adventures; it is an antagonist, an ally, a maze, and a character in itself. It challenges him, changes him, and by the end of the novel, it becomes a part of him. In this way, the setting functions as a character, contributing to the novel’s themes of identity, belonging, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
“American Gods” and the Mythic Landscape of America
Another masterpiece, “American Gods,” presents the United States as a vast, sprawling stage for the wars between old gods and new. The setting isn’t just a physical space but a cultural and metaphysical landscape where forgotten gods from various pantheons roam, struggle, and adapt. As Shadow Moon travels across this mythic America, the settings shift from small towns to roadside attractions to big cities, each locale oozing with its own character and aura. The land itself serves as a crucible for the conflict between the old ways and the new, influencing the characters’ actions and the unfolding of the story. It’s not merely setting; it’s a character undergoing a crisis of identity, much like the pantheon of gods it hosts.
“Coraline” and the Other World
“Coraline” provides yet another compelling example of setting as character. Coraline Jones discovers an alternate version of her world, which at first glance appears better than her reality but quickly reveals its sinister nature. This Other World, initially alluring, becomes increasingly menacing and controlling. It actively works to deceive and entrap Coraline, highlighting themes of temptation, bravery, and the essence of home. Much like the witch’s house in Hansel and Gretel, the Other World is an active participant in the plot, not just a place where things happen.
How These Settings Function as Characters, Contributing to Themes and Plot
When you read Gaiman’s novels, it’s impossible to separate the characters from the worlds they inhabit. These settings aren’t just locations with descriptive tags; they have their own roles, challenges, conflicts, and resolutions. For instance, London Below in “Neverwhere” confronts Richard with ethical dilemmas that make him question his moral compass. It presents obstacles that force him to adapt and grow, essentially following a character arc parallel to Richard’s own.
In “American Gods,” the American landscape is a battleground and a meeting place for a variety of cultures and beliefs. It mirrors the struggle between the old and new gods, serving as both a sanctuary and a prison. It shapes the characters, especially Shadow Moon, forcing them to confront their own complexities and contradictions.
“Coraline’s” Other World serves a similar purpose; it’s a realm that tests Coraline’s courage and cleverness. It raises stakes, advances the plot, and highlights the book’s major themes. Much like a character, the Other World has its own set of motivations, albeit nefarious ones, and undergoes a change by the story’s end, albeit a collapse.
By treating settings as characters, Gaiman adds layers to his narratives that make them profoundly engaging. It’s not just about a character doing something in a particular place; it’s about the place doing something to the character. This mutual influence is one of the reasons Gaiman’s works are so compelling. They move beyond simple descriptions of locales to bring those locales to life.
III. Practical Takeaways: Translating Gaiman’s Mastery to Your Own Work
Okay, we’ve admired Neil Gaiman’s craft in making setting a character. The real question is, how can you channel that same energy into your own writing, right? Great news: I’ve got some actionable writing tips to help you make your settings as vibrant and influential as your characters.
Writing Tips to Integrate Setting as a Character in Your Own Stories
- Define the Role of Your Setting: Just like you outline your characters, outline your setting. Is it a friend or foe? A mentor or temptress? Defining this will guide how the setting interacts with your characters.
- Give the Setting a Voice: This doesn’t mean your setting should start talking (unless that’s the vibe you’re going for). It means your setting should evoke a specific mood or emotion that speaks to the reader. Think of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, where the moorlands aren’t just passive landscapes but mood-setters that reflect the wildness and tragedy of the characters.
- Highlight Change: Just as characters need arcs, settings can have them too. How does the setting change, and what does that reveal about the story or characters? A setting that evolves can mirror the inner changes in characters, reinforcing your story’s themes.
How to Draw from Personal Experiences and Observations to Craft Vivid Worlds
Not all of us can go on a cross-country road trip to gather setting inspiration like in “American Gods,” but you’d be surprised how much material you can gather from your own life experiences and observations. Walk around your city and observe. Every alley, park, or building has its own feel, its own voice. Carry a notebook or use your phone to jot down your impressions. These observations can serve as the foundation for the world you’re creating.
Take notes on your emotional responses to places. Is there a park that makes you feel at ease? Why? Is it the way the light filters through the trees, or the distant laughter of children? Capturing these sensations in your descriptions can turn your setting into a vivid character that interacts emotionally with your readers. This is an invaluable exercise for anyone trying to improve their writing skills.
Writing Prompts Inspired by Gaiman’s Settings to Practice Building Setting as Character
Alright, now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s get some practice. Here are some writing prompts to help you experiment with making setting a character:
- Write a scene where a character enters a building that seems ordinary but becomes increasingly surreal. What do they discover as they go deeper?
- Describe a forest that is sentient. What happens to travelers who respect it versus those who don’t?
- Create a small town that has a secret. How does the town itself keep that secret, and what happens when an outsider threatens to expose it?
These exercises will not only hone your creative writing but also help you see settings as more than just inert backdrops.
Final Thoughts on Improving Writing Skills Through the Use of Setting
Mastering setting is like mastering a less-talked-about but crucial aspect of storytelling. Think of setting as your secret weapon. When done right, it can transform your writing, turning good stories into unforgettable narratives that resonate on multiple levels.
To summarize, if you’re serious about writing a novel or even a shorter piece, take a page from Neil Gaiman’s playbook. Elevate your settings from mere locations to characters that breathe, grow, and influence the plot. Once you begin to see the world of your story as a living entity, your characters won’t be the only ones going on an adventure; your readers will be right there with them.
Neil Gaiman himself once said, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” So go ahead, make something new. Give life to your settings, and watch how they breathe life into your stories in return.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 