3 ways that characters can view thier surroundings
Characters are the hearts that pump lifeblood into the veins of our stories. They breathe, they feel, and most importantly, they perceive. One fundamental aspect of character perception is how they view their surroundings. This perception of their environment dramatically shapes not only their experiences but also the overall texture and tone of the narrative.
To illuminate this aspect, we'll take a scenic tour through three distinct viewpoints – the native, the visitor, and the conqueror.
Seeing through a native's eyes: A familiar heartbeat
A character who's a native to the setting will view their surroundings through the lens of familiarity. The sights, the sounds, the smells – everything is imbued with the comforting rhythm of routine and memory.
Imagine the subtle crinkling of leaves underfoot as more than just a sound, but as a chorus that sang you to sleep as a child. Or the scent of blooming flowers as the ghost of many springs past, permeating your nostrils – and your heart.
The native's perspective is likely rich with sensory detail and emotional resonance. Yet, it can also be taken for granted, glossed over, or forgotten amidst the mundane. Their inner monologue might echo with a profound, understated bond with their surroundings, one that doesn't feel the need to shout its existence.
Journeying as a visitor: Through fresh eyes
In stark contrast to the native, a character who's a visitor views their surroundings with the wide-eyed curiosity of someone exploring new terrain. Every detail is noticed, savoured, and stored away. The world is vibrant, exciting, sometimes overwhelming, and often unexpected.
Think of the tingling sensation of unfamiliar spices dancing on the tongue or the gasp of awe at a sunrise of colours you never knew existed. The visitor's senses are on high alert, drinking in every novelty.
The visitor's inner monologue often buzzes with exhilaration, confusion, and the constant churn of comparison to their own 'normal'. They are discovering, learning, and continuously updating their understanding of the world around them.
Conquering with the colonist: A land for the taking
The conqueror or colonist character's view of their surroundings fundamentally differs from the native and the visitor. They see not just what is but what could be – through the lens of power, ambition, or entitlement.
Consider the sight of a dense forest not as a breathtaking spectacle of nature but as potential farmland. Or the pulse of a bustling city not as a testament to another culture but a chessboard waiting for the character's move.
Their sensory perception might be overshadowed by strategic thinking and visions of transformation. Their inner monologue might brim with a sense of superiority, guilt, conflict, or the thrill of conquest.
The art of perspective: A powerful storytelling tool
A character's view of their surroundings is not a mere backdrop for action but a dynamic, evolving participant in your narrative. Whether they see their world as a native, a visitor, or a conqueror dramatically affects their interactions, emotions, and overall story arc.
The next time you breathe life into a character, remember to give them more than just eyes. Give them a perspective, a way to interact with their world, and watch as your narrative landscape takes on new dimensions – because in storytelling, as in life, perspective is everything.
