Story setting can consist of more than where a story takes place. When written well, story setting can interact with characters, taking on an integral place within the story. The best settings become part of the story. Consider this question. Would a change in setting increase the effectiveness or richness of your story? Choose one scene from your current work-in-progress. Try rewriting that scene in three different settings. How does your story setting affect the tone, theme, and tension of that scene? Even within a setting, what happens if you place your character in a different position?
For deeper development, consider these questions:
- Where does your story begin?
- Where does it end?
- Where will the crisis occur?
- Where is the “safe” area for your main character?
- Where is the “dreaded” area?