In the world of fiction, where a character lives plays a crucial role in shaping their identity. Housing, furnishings, and decor serve as expressions of their psychology, just like clothing and accessories. However, beyond mere aesthetics, a character's housing is influenced by their specific needs, including health, safety, and even income.Â
Meeting the Character's Needs: When developing a character's housing, it is essential to consider their specific requirements. Does the character need shelter, good health, or safety? The necessities may vary depending on the character's personality, background, and even the story's genre. Take the time to reflect on what the character truly needs to ensure their housing reflects their unique circumstances.
Income and Housing Options: The character's income or financial resources play a significant role in determining the type of housing they can afford. Consider their occupation, social status, or any limitations they may have. Does an apartment, house, condo, or alternative option align with their needs and income level? Delving into the character's financial situation adds depth to their living arrangements.
Exploring Architectural Types: To make the character's housing more authentic, it helps to familiarize yourself with different architectural styles. Research guides on residential architecture and explore various housing types to gain inspiration. Understanding the characteristics and features of different architectural styles can inform the description of the character's living space and create a vivid sense of place.
Security and Power/Energy are essential aspects of character housing. Consider the level of security the character requires. Do they have reinforced walls or windows, a security system, or even on-site security personnel? Additionally, think about the type of power or energy source available in their dwelling. Does it rely on traditional methods, have backup generators, or utilize green energy alternatives like geothermal or solar power?
Additional Buildings and Concealed Spaces: Does the character's property include additional buildings beyond their primary dwelling? It could be a greenhouse, a research lab, or a workshop that reflects their interests or occupation. Furthermore, consider if the structure has any concealed hiding spaces, secret passages, or concealed entries. Determine who knows about these hidden areas, as someone had to construct them.
Use Search Engines to Find Pictures: When in need of visual references search engines can be invaluable tools. Google, for example, offers an excellent image search feature offering various architectural styles, interior designs, or specific elements you wish to incorporate into your character's housing.
Creating realistic and meaningful character housing adds depth to your fictional world. By considering the character's needs, income, architectural styles, security measures, power sources, and additional buildings, you can craft a living space that aligns with their personality, circumstances, and story. Remember, the housing reflects not only their physical environment but also their psychological makeup. So, pay attention to the details, immerse yourself in research, and let your character's living space become a vivid extension of their identity. Happy writing!
Examples:
In Moonlight, vampires sleep in refrigeration units. Although they can handle sunlight, to a degree, their windows have heavy curtains. Drinking blood could reveal their existence so their food supply needs refrigeration and concealment. As vampires have certain abilities, its necessary to have security features designed to withstand those abilities.
In Forever Knight, Nick slept in a bed, refrigerated his blood, and had a private tanning bed (as he got no sunlight.)
In Lost Girl, Dyson (werewolf) has a rather simple apartment with a large punching bag to deal with his temper issues.
Harry Dresdan, of the book series, has a secret basement. As his magic interferes with technology, over a certain advancement, he has to deal with no hot water and has to work his life around equipment malfunctions. He often needs unusual supplies and to explain various oddities. (He has to have the worst financial standings and living situations of any supernatural I've read about.)
Haven's Duke is a smuggler, in addition to his "troubles." His ship is outfitted for smuggling. He also needs to hide his heirloom weaponry.
Highlander's Methos, or Adam Pearson (I think,) once explained to Duncan MacCloud that he was being an annoying houseguest because he refused to stay anywhere his current identify could afford.