1. Time:
* Historical period: When does the story take place? (Ancient Rome, Victorian Era, the future?)
* Time of day: Is it morning, afternoon, evening, or night? Does the time of day affect the mood or events of the story?
* Season: Is it spring, summer, fall, or winter? How does the season influence the story's atmosphere?
2. Place:
* Location: Where does the story take place? (A city, a countryside, a specific building, a fictional world?)
* Environment: What is the weather like? Is it hot, cold, rainy, sunny, or stormy?
* Geography: What are the physical features of the place? (Mountains, rivers, forests, deserts?)
* Social environment: What are the customs, traditions, and social norms of the place?
3. Atmosphere:
* Mood: What feeling does the setting evoke? (Hopeful, gloomy, suspenseful, romantic?)
* Tone: What is the overall feeling of the story? (Serious, humorous, tragic, ironic?)
* Sensory details: What can the reader see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the setting?
4. Conflict:
* Obstacles: Does the setting create obstacles for the characters? (Difficult terrain, hostile environment, social restrictions?)
* Opportunities: Does the setting offer opportunities for the characters? (A hidden passage, a secret meeting place, a chance for adventure?)
5. Character Development:
* Influence on characters: How does the setting shape the characters' personalities, beliefs, and actions?
* Symbolism: Does the setting have any symbolic meaning?
In essence, the setting is more than just a backdrop. It's an active participant in the story, shaping the events, characters, and overall message.