Which came first: the character or the world?

[Bobple]

It varies. Usually it is the character or their power. (Or both).

I started ideas, using all of those different starts. But usually it is the character or a powerset I want a character to have.

 

[Deleted member 113259]

A Tender Heathen*

Good idea.

 

[ThrillingHuman]

Of course, you're a commie.

Yes

 

[Story_Marc]

I actually made a video on this once. For me, it's character. There's actually 4 things I prioritize over worldbuilding, despite doing it.

 

[Deleted member 113259]

I actually made a video on this once. For me, it's character. There's actually 4 things I prioritize over worldbuilding, despite doing it.

Tolkien only did world-building. Be like Tolkien.

 

[Story_Marc]

Tolkien only did world-building. Be like Tolkien.

Nah, I'm interested in being a writer. Tolkien himself admitted to being more of a linguist than a writer and that his writing was more of a creative means to an end for his fictional languages. Which showed in The Silmarillion. And it shows at times with some stuff he would do storytelling-wise -- though I don't think he's a bad storyteller.

Regardless, I actually have no issue with anybody who wants to go that route if they truly think it's best for them, but I will say that if you're in writing to tell stories, prioritize storytelling.

A writer who chooses to base their story in a fantasy world musters an even greater duty than normal to make their characters likeable, their struggles relatable, and the world recognisable from a realistic perspective. There is nothing wrong with a fantasy writer falling in love with the world they’ve created—there is a problem, however, when they prioritise their fictional worlds over basic storytelling principles.

 

[BearlyAlive]

Plot happened first, characters later and then the world around them.

But it varies from story to story.