Setting is the time and place where a scene occurs. It can help set the mood, influence the way characters behave, affect the dialog, foreshadow events, invoke an emotional response, reflect the society in which the characters live, and sometimes even plays a part in the story. It can also be a critical element in nonfiction as the setting provides the framework for what is being discussed.
To make the setting come alive, it’s important to include significant details. That doesn’t mean describing everything the characters see, or giving a complete history of where the scene occurs. Giving enough information to help readers visualize the setting is important, but too many minor details will bog down the story rather than move it forward.
There are ways to clarify the setting without using long descriptive passages. For example:
a) The type of vocabulary the characters use can suggest where they live or where the scene occurs. Teens from Chicago will sound different from teenagers in rural Kentucky. Ordering a Caramel Macchiato implies a more sophisticated restaurant than if the character orders an orange soda (although I personally order pink lemonade where ever I go—except in winter, when I want a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.)
b) The weather can indicate the time of year, or general location of the scene. Mentioning a hurricane, or snow, will give readers clues as to where or when the story takes place. The fragrance of a certain flower wafting on a gentle breeze suggests a different setting than the smell of asphalt permeating the air.
c) Describing a dark, gloomy house or a shadowy forest can suggest something suspenseful may occur, setting the tone as well as giving details about the location. Candles flickering can either hint at romance or suggest a religious scene; adding other details will help clarify their significance.
d) Give the setting a purpose to fulfill. An exotic location can be a backdrop for a steamy romance or a wild adventure. A mountainous terrain can be a source of danger and add suspense. A hospital waiting room can suggest trauma and pain, adding tension to the story.
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What part does the setting play in your writing? Do you prefer having most of the details left to your imagination or do you like having the setting clearly defined? What books can you think of that use setting as a major element in the plot? Do you ever choose books to read based on their setting?
I will read any book that takes place on the sea or in it. I don’t know why.
I’m a minimalist when it comes to description, but I did notice once that most of my books seem to be written in the Fall. It’s my favorite time of year.
I tend to like reading stories set in England or the American south. In my own stories I don’t say much about the general location, but I have to watch out not to overload readers with details about furniture and home decor.
Great advice, Carol.
When I’m working on my description, I use my characters actions to bring in the setting around them. For example, I might have a character lying in a field of grass, or sitting on a slate rooftop surrounded by London fog, or collecting water from the well outside. I make my descriptions part of the characters’ actions so it moves the story along as well as setting the scene for the reader and letting them visualize it. I also use things like clothing, food, lighting, help to describe. I try to use all five senses in conveying the setting.
Jai
Using the 5 senses to convey the setting is a great idea. Showing it through the character’s actions is usually much more interesting than long passages of description about the setting, too.
While writing my novel, I used setting to establish the region and culture. I used clothing, landscapes and even internal monologues (the characters’ recognition of differences between two separate locale).
Like Barbara, I’m a minimalist. Rather than hit the reader with everything at once, I provide a little here and there to keep the story going and avoid the police blotter sensation. I recently read a book where the writer spent too much time giving the history and describing the scene. “C’mon,” I said. “Get on with it.” While some readers may like long expositions, I’m not one of them. As such, in trying to write a story I would want to read, I also try to avoid long passages where nothing is really happening.
Stephen, writing a story you’d want to read yourself is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard. I’m trying to do that, too. 🙂
I think one of the best settings I’ve ever read was in Dorraine’s book, Jack Rabbit Moon. Her use of Garner State Park for the setting was unbelievably beautiful and perfect for the story.
I haven’t read her book, but a state park sounds like a lovely setting for a story.
Dorraine does give incredible descriptionts. Her setting was so vivid that I could smell it and taste it and touch it.
Jai
I like to read stories set in places I’ve lived, especially if I haven’t been there in a while. It’s exciting to recognize the name of a mansion in Newport, RI, and immediately have a visual. Or it can be great for laughs, such as when someone sets their story in Hawaii and is actually pretty clueless about the history and culture of the place. And knowing my own response makes me very nervous about setting a story somewhere that I’m not really familiar with or haven’t visited in a while.
I like reading about places I’ve been as it reminds me of what I’ve seen. I haven’t been to many exciting places, though, so few novels have settings I’m familiar with.
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Hi Carol,
I like southern-themed books. That seems to be my interest at the moment although I also like literature based in other locales. I enjoy recreating the southern dialect in my works about southern characters to give a sense of authenticity. Southern settings also lend themselves to providing great backdrops for intriguing plot lines.
Katrina Williams
Katrina, I enjoy southern-themed books, too. Some of Mark Twain’s stories are among my favorites for their rich portrayal of southern life.
I took a quick look at your blog and will definitely be back to visit you soon. Your artwork looks lovely, and I saw some recent posts I want to read.
Thanks for taking time to comment!
Carol
Thank you for checking out my blog.
Katrina
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