Recap:

In our previous post, we discussed the different types of setting in fiction, including psychological setting. Psychological setting is created by the places, events, and experiences that influence how the narrator or characters perceive the story. It also develops the mood or tone of the story by how the characters or narrator describe the world. For example, a dark forest cast in shadows seems less inviting than a forest filled with sunlight and bright green leaves.

What is Historical Setting?

Historical setting is closely related to psychological setting, but it focuses on the events, people, and time period in which the story takes place. Where psychological setting is based on people’s reactions to these aspects, historical setting is based on the society where the characters would be able to exist or not.

Why is Historical Setting Important?

Historical setting is important because it sets up the symbology, belief systems, and a fence post for where a standard changed. When you think of historical setting, think of history books. What events make it into the history books we study in grade school? What histories are covered in online blogs and television series? You’re looking at events that somehow impacted a group, individual, or a society.

How to Use Historical Setting?

The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn is a great example of how to use history in a story. The book is highly religious in its premise, but the historical facts used to build the story are phenomenal. The author compares the events before, during, and after 9/11 to the fall of ancient Israel. What works so well about this story is that it uses massive catastrophes as examples. I won’t reveal each one identified, but you can use this idea of events of massive importance to your story.

It’s also important to be aware of how you’re using history in your story. At most writing conferences, you’ll hear that the age of Tolkien-style writing is passed. While you may have the exception to this rule, take into consideration what it would mean to step away from the history dumps that go on for pages. There are important parts of the world’s history that will come out for you to share in your story, but not every detail will leave your rough draft.

When Should You Use Historical Setting?

Historical setting should be used when it adds the greatest impact to the story. That’s great, simple advice, but it doesn’t give you much to work with.

Think about those times you’ve brought up historic events in conversation. Often they’re used to prove a point, send a message, or validate your claims. All of those details build your historical setting. If you’re an American author writing a historical fiction that falls between 1775-1783 you’ll have the tone of the revolutionary war. This comes with certain expectations of who you might see, the types of conflicts between characters, and the language one would expect from that time.

Technology can be another indicator of historical setting details. The used of a cell phone automatically dates the story for you, and depending on how advanced the phone/slang is, you’ll date the story without much effort. Once you’ve established that cell phones are a part of your story, you also establish that certain events, inventions, and social changes have occurred.

Conclusion

Historical setting is a powerful tool that can be used to create a more immersive and believable story. When used effectively, it can transport readers to another time and place, and help them understand the characters and events in a new way.

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