Anthropomorphic Writing/ 7 Keys to Anthropomorphic Worldbuilding

This post is all about Anthropomorphic Worldbuilding.

Now we’re getting into some really juicy stuff!  Today, we will talk about Anthropomorphic Worldbuilding, an aspect that I consider to be one of utmost importance!

YOU MUST DO THIS!

Let’s delve right into it! 

Here are 7 Keys to Anthropomorphic Worldbuilding.

1. Clear Rules for Anthropomorphism:

   Make sure that your rules for your anthropomorphic world are consistent.  Decide which species are anthropomorphic—in other words, human—and which are not.  I recommend that you start by choosing either all herbivores be anthropomorphic, or vice-versa with carnivores.  You could even go fully aquatic or fully reptilian: the choice is yours on what you choose to include in your world.  Just make sure everything is consistent to prevent confusion, and to prevent things from becoming unrealistic.

2. Species Diversity:

   Deciding what species you want to include in your world is crucial.  Having a diverse range of species—which vary in shape, size, and behavioral traits—will give your world an added sense of depth.  Think of how various species interact with each other, and the various conflicts and character interactions that it can provide.  It will give your world a wonderful richness.

3. Culture and Social Structure: Consider how the species and cultures of your characters intersect.  How, for example, do two characters of the same species but a different culture react?  How about the reverse: same culture but different species?  What about same species and same culture?  Think about the various interplay and dynamics one could create.  There is one thing I will caution against, however: resist the temptation to make each species monolithic.  Remember that a single species can be found in multiple places across the world, so use that to your creative advantage.

4. Language and Communication: As with any fantasy setting, you can choose to make up your own language or use real ones.  In regards to an anthropomorphic setting, use the real-life body language and sounds of the species you use to add an extra layer of subtext and depth to how the characters communicate.  Blending such aspects with body language and verbal tells humans naturally have, will help add a more intimate level to the communication methods of your anthropomorphic characters across the board.

5. Conflict and Cooperation: Think about how species in your anthropomorphic world interact with each other in both confrontation and cooperation.  Do certain species feel more tension towards each other than others?  Or vice-versa with cooperation and friendships?  How do traits and behavior tie in?  Culture?  Think about these things.  You can draw from mythology, religious texts, symbolism about animals—Take a look at all the resources of inspiration you can find for possible dynamics between various characters and the species which they slot into to add depth and complexity to your world.

6. Natural Environment and Technology:

   Think about how your anthropomorphic characters interact with their environment and technology.  How do the animalistic traits they have affect their technology and environment?  How would a phone designed for a wolf look, since the ears are on the top of the head as opposed to side on humans?  Consider how their size, senses, and anatomy might affect their interactions with both the natural world and technology.

7. Ethical and Moral Dilemmas:

   Like any good source of conflict, ethical and moral dilemmas are at the very heart.  Think of how the anthropomorphic aspect of your characters would impact such things.  How do characters with certain species deal with issues differently than others.  For instance, how do bear characters see something like gluttony—which is very easy for them to fall into—verses how say, a lean cheetah character would see the same issue?  Think of unique ways to twist and filter moral and ethical dilemmas by using your anthropomorphic setting.

Remember: the key to creating successful anthropomorphic world building is to create a believable world that draws readers in. Make it feel natural.  Make it so it is easy to connect with the world and characters regardless of their external differences, and other changes that come along with the anthropomorphic element in place.  These are just seven keys to get you started, and more are on the way!

This post was all about the seven most important keys to Anthropomorphic Worldbuilding. With these keys as a base, you can begin the process of creating a vibrant, believable, rich anthropomorphic world. So go and create them!

Worldbuilding is my favorite aspect of creating an anthropomorphic world! I’d love hearing your thoughts! Comment below!