We learned about the theory of evolution in middle school and high school. The concept that life has adapted and evolved from a single parent to the variety we have now. I know that there is still controversy on the topic, so I’m not going to go into that debate. Instead, I’m going to talk about how evolving applies in fiction and I have a fun announcement at the end.
Evolution in Fiction
I understand evolution as a process of adapting. This means that it involves more than just the generational changes in characteristics. So, evolution in fiction can involve a number of things. The generational transformation can be one, but what if creatures and characters can evolve or adapt according to the parts of the world? Acclimation, or survival-based talents, another possibility is the process of developing skills to a greater extent.
A wonderful example that I love of the generational evolution is the movie Onward. All of the fantastic species have become mostly human in all of their habits and abilities. While the physical characteristics have not changed, the mentalities have. Evolutions could be changes in culture and lifestyles.
Humans have adapted to climates all over the world. In colleges and universities the contrast is seen as students from warm states bundle up when there’s a cool breeze. While students from cold states shed their coats when the sun is shining in the winter. Consider how different settings would effect the way characters or a species would live. Perhaps the same species has different languages in different areas because of the sounds that predators are able to hear.
Another form of evolution to consider is the increased ability. What if practice and dedication with raw talent went a little farther than it does? Olympic athletes are superhuman already in their abilities. But in your world, maybe that level of ability can be achieved by the regular joe or jill. Some characters may be able to develop almost super powers based on their hobbies and what they spend their time doing.
Evolution in the Writing Process
All stories or other written piece begins with an idea, a concept of some kind. I have had some stories begin with a character, others with a theme, a scene, or a line of dialogue. Every story has a single spark that has to be nurtured and developed.
As the developed idea becomes a framework, the writing may begin fleshing out the details on the way. I have found the best way to know what is missing or isn’t fully developed is by writing the entire story. When I get stuck, I know I’ve reached a part that needs more development.
Revising and Editing follow in randomly repeated patterns as the story needs to be altered. All of the different aspects of a story need to be shaped into a new and different form until every aspect works together. The storyline, plot, characters, themes, and events all go through an evolving process until the story is complete.
Evolution in the Story
Every character must change, and every story has to end differently than it began. Even if it’s a circular children’s story like If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, the experience has made the end feel differently from the beginning. The experiences of a character will change them, and the process of resolving a problem will help them grow. Evolution in fiction may be the changes that occur to a single character.
None of us remain the same as we experience new things. Even time alters our perspective and goals. The same is true for characters. Especially as they progress through the events of a story, they are inevitably changed. Some weaknesses become strengths, and vice versa, while some strengths may become stronger, and weaknesses weaker. Minds are changed, goals, understandings, and values can all change. Characters must always come out a different person than when they began.
A plot is the pattern of a story. With some form of problem that needs to be resolved one way or another, the end can never be the same as the beginning. If the issue has not been resolved, then the story hasn’t ended yet. A series of events must unfold to either prevent or ensure a certain ending, the conclusion is the failure or success. Every story is an evolving situation that will get better or worse for particular characters.
Evolution in Nat’s Nook-Writing
I began this blog over three years ago and have continually shifted the focus. Fine-tuning the topic and overall theme of the blog. As I’ve altered the path of the blog, I’ve found that the entire website needs to be redeveloped. So, by the beginning of next year the website and blog will be completely revamped. I will be making changes little by little, but the redesign should be complete by January 2021. The website should be easier to navigate and blogs will be grouped together in topics.
To all readers, writers and creators, I would gladly welcome any requests or comments on what would be most helpful to you. Let me know what tips, advice, ideas, or anything you are looking for to help in your creativity and creating processes. Evolution is in fiction and nonfiction. How would you like to evolve?
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