Setting is one of the most important things in a novel. Writers, especially fiction writers, must choose a setting carefully. First, you have to define what setting is in order to figure out how to use it in your story.

Setting vs. structure

Many theories about stories tend to avoid talking about concrete details (setting) of the stories. Instead they focus on the invisible aspects of stories such as relationships between characters, their actions, and the consequences which essentially make up the stories’ structure. The most probable reason behind this is that most of the theories were developed for or derived from the film industry. In the film industry, the screenwriter has less control of the setting. However, in the novel writing industry, it is very important to give specific details about the story to avoid ending up with an abstract and hollow story.

By talking about specific details in a story, the author gives it an authentic feel. It makes the plot and characters involved more believable. Although the structure is important to help people understand the reasons why things are happening in a certain way, it goes hand in hand with the setting. The order in which the author introduces the setting and the structure is not important as long as both are eventually incorporated into the story.

How to approach setting

Many writers find it easier to start with specific details before getting into structure. An author may start his novel by giving specific details about a place or period in history that intrigues him and that has significance for the plot that is about to unfold. He can talk about places that currently exist, places that are no longer there, or made-up places and times. Regardless of where you decide to set your novel, you must give enough detail for readers to visualize the setting and make it more believable. If it is a real place it should be well researched so that you can give specific details about the place.

If it is an imaginary place, it should have as much detail as a real place would. However, it is important for an author to keep his imaginary place within the conventions of his genre. For instance, a sci-fi writer should not break the laws of physics but a fantasy writer can. It is easy and fun to start with a setting and then make the characters up as you go along. However, an author can also decide to start his story from the opposite end. He could start by selecting a structure and theme that interests him and then create the setting that fits his idea.

Strike a balance between setting and structure

Regardless of the path that an author decides to take, he should understand the relationship between the story structure and the specific details of the story. Every plot should unfold in a clearly defined setting and there should be solid relationships between characters that make the story more compelling. Sometimes a great setting can make up for some shortcomings in the story structure and vice versa. However, the author must always strike a balance between these two important elements.