1. Time:
* Historical period: Is the story set in the past, present, or future?
* Specific year or era: Is it set in the Victorian era, the 1980s, or a futuristic year?
* Time of day: Is it morning, noon, evening, or night?
* Season: Is it spring, summer, fall, or winter?
* Duration of events: How long do the events in the story span?
2. Place:
* Location: Where does the story happen? Is it in a city, a rural area, a different planet, or an underwater world?
* Geography: What are the geographic features of the location? Are there mountains, forests, deserts, oceans?
* Environment: What is the weather like? What is the atmosphere or mood of the setting?
* Culture: What are the customs, traditions, and social structures of the place?
* Architecture and interior design: What kind of buildings and homes are present? What are they decorated like?
Why is setting important?
* Creates atmosphere and mood: The setting can create a sense of suspense, mystery, joy, sadness, etc.
* Influences character development: The setting can shape a character's beliefs, values, and actions.
* Drives plot and conflict: The setting can provide obstacles, opportunities, or dangers that move the story forward.
* Adds realism and depth: A well-developed setting makes the story feel more believable and engaging.
Examples:
* Setting of "The Great Gatsby": 1920s, Long Island, New York, during the Roaring Twenties, characterized by lavish parties and social upheaval.
* Setting of "The Hunger Games": Panem, a futuristic dystopian society divided into districts, where a televised fight to the death takes place annually.
* Setting of "The Hobbit": The Shire, a peaceful and idyllic land inhabited by hobbits, contrasted with the dangerous and mysterious lands beyond.
Understanding the setting is crucial for both writers and readers to fully appreciate and connect with a story.