How to Create a World for Your Characters

Part of the series “how to write a book from start to finish”

By J.E. Nickerson | Wise Thinkers Help Desk 

We all live in a familiar world of our own making—our homes, our neighborhoods, our routines, and the people we hold close. Just as you have a world you’re at home in, the characters in your books need a world that feels natural to them, too.

Whether you’re writing a standalone story or a series that follows the same characters, building a world around them helps readers connect. A strong setting grounds your characters, deepens your plot, and makes your story more memorable.

When I was writing the Eddie and Freddy’s Adventures books, I started by imagining the world from Eddie’s perspective—a little boy with endless energy and curiosity—and his puppy Freddy. Each story takes readers through a day in their life, weaving in interactions with Eddie, his mother, other family members, and new characters introduced across the series. It feels natural to readers because they’re watching a Eddie move through a world that fits him.

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What I Learned About Building Worlds

When I first started writing fiction, I did what a lot of beginning writers do: I tried to describe everything. If there was a table, I felt like I had to describe every inch of it to make it feel real.

But over time, I learned that seeing the world through the character’s eyes is what really brings it to life. Instead of listing objects or explaining every detail, I focused on what the characters were thinking and feeling. That let me stay close to them during each adventure—and it helped readers learn who they were.

Eddie, Freddy, and Mommy all respond to their world differently than their next-door neighbors—Cyndi, her daughter Holly, and their cat Ivey. Letting those personality differences shine through helped me create a living, breathing world, one that felt real to the people reading it.

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How to Start Creating a World for Your Characters

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for this, but here are a few simple steps that can help:

1. Write down the details.

Where do your characters live? What do they enjoy doing? What’s around them?

You don’t need to figure it all out at once, but the more you know, the more authentic your world will feel.

2. Feel free to make it up as you go.

Some writers like to plan ahead and list everything first. Others like to write in the moment and build the world along the way. Both approaches are valid—just be sure to jot down what you come up with so you can stay consistent.

3. Trust your instincts.

Treat your characters like living people. If their choices make sense to them, they’ll make sense to your readers—even if they’re not perfect. The more you understand your character’s thoughts, the easier it is to shape a story around them.

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Let the World Reflect Their Journey

Character development is a process. You’ll get to know your characters more deeply as you write. Some stories—especially dramas about family or relationships—thrive on deep character exploration. Others may focus more on action, with less internal reflection. Both are valid, as long as the character’s choices match their desires and move the story forward.

In Eddie and Freddy and the Hidden Kingdom, Eddie’s choices were shaped by his desire to explore a magical land of knights—and to learn how to protect himself from an evil dragon. In The Caterpillar Who Wanted to Be a Butterfly, the main character was motivated by a longing to grow and change so that the other animals would stop seeing her as just another bug stealing their food.

Those internal goals—whether big or small—gave shape to the world around the characters.

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Final Thoughts

As you write and develop your characters, remember to create a world that makes sense to them—and invites your audience on an adventure.

Writing is a journey. Everyone is learning. Your words matter, and your stories have meaning. Let yourself grow, enjoy the creative process, and believe in the worlds you’re building.

Creating a character’s world is only part of the adventure of writing. Learn how to create compelling characters who connect with your audience through character profiles. Learn how to bring life to your characters so they leap off the page for your audience.

Resources

Want help polishing your next piece before you publish?

Download my free 9-Step Guide to Publishing Your Best Work—a soulful, faith-filled resource to help you refine your writing and grow in confidence.

👉 click here for your copy

Enjoying this? My full guidebook to publishing your best seller is available now — get it here.

📚 And if you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — faith based author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books here or follow me on YouTube for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.

Try the worksheet below to put these tips into practice and bring your characters and worlds to life.

🗺️ World-Building Worksheet: Crafting a Setting That Feels Real

Objective:

Design a world that feels authentic to your characters, enhancing their development and your story’s immersion.

🌍 1. Character-Centric Environment

• Where does your character live?
  (e.g., a bustling city, a quiet village, a remote island)
• What are their daily surroundings?
  (e.g., a cluttered apartment, a pristine forest, a noisy marketplace)
• How do these surroundings influence their mood or actions?
  (e.g., a dimly lit room might make them feel introspective; a crowded street could make them anxious)

🧠 2. Emotional Resonance

• What emotions does this environment evoke in your character?
  (e.g., comfort, fear, nostalgia)
• How do these emotions shape their decisions or interactions?
  (e.g., a comforting home might make them more open; a threatening alley could make them cautious)

🔄 3. Dynamic Interaction

• How does the environment change over time or with events?
  (e.g., a sunny park becomes eerie at night; a lively café quiets during a storm)
• What triggers these changes?
  (e.g., time of day, weather, significant events)

🧩 4. Integration with Character Arc

• How does this world reflect your character’s journey?
  (e.g., a character’s rise from poverty might be mirrored by their ascent in a city; a fall from grace could be shown through a descent into a darker part of town)
• What elements of the world challenge or support their growth?
  (e.g., a supportive community aiding their recovery; a corrupt system hindering their progress)

📝 5. Visual and Sensory Details

• List sensory details that define this world:
  (e.g., the scent of fresh bread, the sound of waves crashing, the feel of rough stone walls)
• How do these details enhance the setting’s authenticity?
  (e.g., the aroma of spices in a market adds vibrancy; the chill of a damp cave adds tension)

🧭 6. Consistency Check

• Does the world remain consistent with the character’s experiences and growth?
  (e.g., if a character becomes more confident, does the world reflect that with more open spaces or opportunities?)
• Are there any contradictions that need addressing?
  (e.g., a character who fears crowds but frequently visits busy areas)