Victorian historical fiction simply does not work without the incorporation of class divides, where depictions like the contrasting of an opulent drawing room are heightened by the grim realities of working-class life. Writing about class and economic status authentically for a contemporary reader requires careful attention. Even in literature, the prevalence of poverty cannot negate the fact that just because someone is poor, it does not mean they lack, or are undeserving of, dignity. If this is ignored, characters are almost universally reduced to stereotypes and, more often than not, a wealthy protagonist will fall into the trap of being made into a savior.

Representing Poverty Without Romanticization or Pity

The Victorian working class endured incomprehensibly harsh circumstances—child labor, unsafe factory conditions, and lack of upward mobility—but their lives were not defined solely by misery. Authentic representation means showing these struggles alongside moments of humor, joy, love, and community. Working-class characters are not just victims; they are individuals with fully-fleshed lives.

To achieve this, I like to portray them with the same depth and range as wealthier characters. I always remember that it is not their decisions that shaped their circumstances and that clichés of desperation and aspirations to join the nobility are ridiculous. A dockworker might have a quick wit and a talent for negotiation, and a seamstress may harbor quiet artistic ambitions. However, getting them there in a story doesn't require reliance on a wealthy patron swooping in to facilitate the success.

Wealthy Characters Should Reflect Their World, Not Solve It

Wealthy protagonists can add so much to a narrative, but they should not become the lens through which readers view social inequality. Victorian society had rigid class structures, and many privileged individuals were complicit in or indifferent to systemic oppression. Reflecting this honestly will enhance your story’s realism.

Instead of positioning wealthy characters as moral agents who “fix” poverty, let their perspectives be shaped by the world they inhabit. Perhaps they start the story unaware of the harsh realities faced by others. Their journey need not culminate in a full realization or redemption arc; it can instead reflect partial understanding, hesitation, or even discomfort with systemic inequality. This approach sidesteps the savior trope and offers a more grounded take on privilege.

For instance, a wealthy protagonist might sponsor a charity not out of altruism but as a social obligation. Their growth might lie in realizing their gesture is insufficient or hollow. By resisting the impulse to paint them as reformers, writers allow room for authentic working-class agency in the story.

Avoiding Stereotypes and Reducing the Class Divide

Working-class characters often suffer from one-dimensional portrayals as crude or unrefined. Avoid this by focusing on their intellect and values rather than leaning on accents or simplistic traits. Respect their lives and community as legitimate worlds unto themselves, rather than as backdrops for the wealthy.

Similarly, show that class distinctions exist even within the working class. A domestic servant might look down on a factory worker, or a skilled artisan may feel superior to an unskilled laborer. These show how class stratification affected all levels of society.

Writing with Balance

Ultimately, the greatest stories are those where all characters—regardless of class—drive the narrative. Working-class characters should not exist solely as foils for wealthy protagonists, and wealthy characters need not embody modern notions of virtue to be likable. Allow the Victorian era to shine by embracing the flaws, contradictions, and humanity in all your characters.

By treating class and economic status as integral parts of your story rather than moral battlegrounds for your protagonists, you can create stories that are historically authentic, emotionally charged, and powerful for contemporary readers.