: Re: Should one Infodump the reader when a new environment of a fictional world is introduced? When a writen story is set in a fiction world or when a character changes locals to an environment

@Harper186

Vote Up Vote Down

It depends on how you mean "infodump". If you mean should you set the scene and describe the environment so that the reader is now aware of where the action is taking place (and / or that travelling has occurred) then yes, though only what is necessary for the plot / story to continue for the time being. If you don't, your reader could get confused and hung up on this fact, thus losing them.

If you mean should you explain (as opposed to describe) the environment and how it came to be as it is, then no... unless it's really, really interesting and has some bearing on the plot. Even then, it really ought to be incorporated into the story in a more relevant way that interacts directly with the characters.

My general take on worldbuilding is that it should work for your story, as opposed to your story working for your worldbuilding. After all, the reader wants a story first and foremost.

(Hope that helps!)

(0)

Login to post a comment!