How to Create a World for Your Characters

 By J.E. Nickerson 

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. 

Want help polishing your next piece before you publish?

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📚 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.