When we think about worldbuilding in fiction, it’s not uncommon that the first or main aspect that pops into our minds is geography. But what else can be referred to?
Well, the name makes it fairly self-explanatory, yet there’s more than meets the eye.
The amount and level of worldbuilding necessary will depend on the genre and subgenre. For example, if you’re writing a fiction novel set in a specific historical setting, there will already be certain aspects to follow instead of to create (as long as you want to make it an accurate depiction, of course).
So, what things go into worldbuilding if you’re writing a story in an entirely fictional setting?
In no particular order…
Geography: Plenty of fiction books include a handy map that helps readers get their bearings. Think the Game of Thrones, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Lord of the Rings series. This can be useful, not only to show how big (or small) the world narrated is, but also to give a sense of distances and what’s been populated, what remains natural and untouched, and more. Aspects affected by this include distances and duration of travels, as well as the natural landmarks that can be easily identified and referred to throughout the story.
And depending on how big the world portrayed is, different beings and cultures can be expected. In addition to beings’ specific biological and evolutionary traits, there are the cultural features that need to be defined: language, belief system, ethical and moral values, governing structure, economic system, traditions, clothing, what types of events are celebrated and how, which aren’t considered important at all…That’s quite a lot, isn’t it? And also consider that there may be different takes within one same culture: those who see to everything to the T, those who are more blasé or flexible when it comes to following the expectations and rules, and those who actively fight or take a stand against them (and how they try to do this).
Inherently tied to traditions is history. How long ago was the current system created and how? Do things that happened dozens or hundreds of years before the start of the story come directly into play now? What does history mean to the characters? Does it affect them in any way, in their decision making or in how others see them, or are they indifferent to it?
Of course, there’s plenty more that needs to be considered: What about wildlife? Are there pets? And what are eating and drinking habits like? What about sports or group activities? Are there defined roles in relationships? Is monogamy a thing? What about marriage, divorce, private property, the health system, education…?
And if you’re creating—literally—a new world, what about physics? Is it a new planet in our solar system or is it in a different part of the galaxy or universe? How do breathing, gravity, water work? How does your new planet’s composition affect geographic and weather phenomena?
Needless to say, not everything has to be thoroughly explained, and it’s important not to have massive exposition dumps that feel too forced or…dumpy.
And I couldn’t not mention it: the importance of names.
Much more can be involved (just ask Tolkien), but this should give you a very general idea of what comprises worldbuilding.