Nature vs. Nurture

Notes on the Craft of Fiction

Fantasy Mindscape:
Breathing Life into Characters Through Psychology

18.  Nature vs. Nurture

In epic fantasy, characters are often shaped by both their inherited traits—like magical abilities or royal blood—and their environments, such as the culture they’re born into or the experiences they endure. Understanding the psychology behind “Nature vs. Nurture” can help you craft more nuanced and believable characters.

Psychological Theories on Nature vs. Nurture

The debate on Nature vs. Nurture in psychology offers fertile ground for writers aiming to craft deep, believable characters in fantasy fiction. One way to delve into this is through the lens of genetic predisposition. For instance, a character may be born into a family renowned for its extraordinary magical abilities. This can provide an intriguing setup, leading to questions like: Will the character realize their full potential? Will they follow in their family’s footsteps or choose a different path? A genetic predisposition serves not just as a plot device; it’s a tool to add layers to the character’s personality. The tension between “destiny” (genetics) and personal choice can be a driving force in the character’s development, creating internal and external conflicts that enrich the narrative.

Genetic predispositions can also introduce ethical dilemmas. What if the inherited traits include not just magical abilities but also a susceptibility to dark magic or corruption? Suddenly, the character is faced with moral questions that have profound implications for their journey. The genetic “curse,” so to speak, can serve as an internal antagonist, forcing the characters to confront their darker impulses. This dilemma becomes particularly poignant if the character is aware of their predisposition, offering endless opportunities for internal conflict and character growth.

Environmental factors introduce another layer of complexity to the Nature vs. Nurture debate in character development. In a fantasy setting, this could encompass a wide array of elements, from cultural norms and rituals to the influence of magical entities or realms. A character born with inherent magical abilities may find themselves in a society that views magic as evil. In this case, the cultural environment actively stifles the character’s natural talents, creating a compelling conflict between societal expectations and individual potential.

Alternatively, a nurturing environment can amplify a character’s inherited traits, talents, or magical abilities. Imagine a character born into a humble family but raised in an environment that encourages the exploration and cultivation of their magical talents. Such a supportive setting could allow the characters to rise above their station, but it may also bring them into conflict with their roots or traditions. This tension serves to deepen the character’s internal struggles, perhaps causing them to question their identity or the cost of their ambitions.

In addition to the broader cultural backdrop, interpersonal relationships can be pivotal environmental factors. Family dynamics, friendships, and romantic relationships can either nurture or suppress a character’s inherited traits. An overbearing parent or a toxic relationship may serve as obstacles that the character needs to overcome to fully realize their potential. In contrast, a mentor or a loved one could be the catalyst that helps them harness their abilities, pushing them towards self-actualization.

Personal experiences, such as trauma or significant life events, can also deeply impact a character’s development. These experiences can either thwart or catalyze the realization of genetically predisposed traits or abilities. For example, surviving a near-death experience might awaken dormant magical abilities or, conversely, create a mental block that hinders the character’s inherent talents. Such events offer a narrative goldmine for exploring resilience, growth, and transformation.

Mixing genetic predisposition and environmental factors also allows for more nuanced antagonists. A villain might have a similar genetic predisposition to the protagonist but was raised in an environment that nurtured their darker tendencies. This creates a powerful mirror image and establishes a basis for the characters’ similarities and differences, making for a more complex and engaging conflict.

For writers, the interplay between Nature and Nurture offers a framework for depicting change and evolution in characters. By thoughtfully designing the genetic and environmental aspects of your characters, you can build in opportunities for growth, setbacks, and revelations. This makes the characters feel more dynamic and keeps the readers invested in their journeys.

Utilizing psychological theories on Nature vs. Nurture can yield rich, multi-dimensional characters whose internal and external conflicts are intrinsically tied to who they are and the world around them. By paying close attention to the implications of genetic predisposition and environmental influences, writers can craft narratives that resonate on a deeply emotional and intellectual level, elevating their fantasy fiction to new heights of complexity and meaning.

Nature vs. Nurture in Classic Epic Fantasy

Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ provides an excellent example of how the interplay between nature and nurture can create a complex character, in this case, Paul Atreides. From the outset, Paul is presented as a product of genetic engineering through the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood’s breeding program, designed to produce the Kwisatz Haderach—a prophesied figure of immense power and insight. This genetic predisposition grants him not only physical abilities but also a potential for extraordinary psychic and intuitive powers. The ‘nature’ element in his character thus serves as both a gift and a burden, filling him with an array of capabilities and expectations that he must come to terms with.

However, Paul is not merely a product of his genetic code; his unique upbringing also plays a significant role in shaping his destiny. Born into House Atreides, a noble family with its own set of morals, traditions, and political intricacies, Paul is raised in an environment that values leadership, strategy, and ethical conduct. His early training in combat, governance, and the “weirding way” all prepare him for the complex and perilous world of interstellar politics and warfare. Moreover, when his family is betrayed and he finds himself stranded on the desert planet of Arrakis, Paul must adapt and internalize the customs and survival skills of the native Fremen. In this way, ‘nurture’ comes to influence his character as much as his genetic predisposition, contributing to his transformation into Muad’Dib, a messianic leader.

The power of Herbert’s storytelling lies in how Paul’s nature and upbringing combine to influence his choices and moral dilemmas. While his genetic potential gives him the tools to navigate a complex world, his upbringing and experiences provide the ethical and philosophical framework through which he interprets his abilities and responsibilities. This duality creates a character who is deeply conflicted, questioning not just his place in the universe but also the ethics of using his extraordinary abilities to shape the destiny of entire 

In Christopher Paolini’s ‘Eragon,’ the protagonist’s journey from a simple farm boy to a Dragon Rider illustrates the significant role environment and mentorship can play in shaping innate abilities. Eragon starts with the ‘nature’ aspect already in place: he is a descendant of the original Dragon Riders, which gives him the genetic compatibility to bond with a dragon. His discovery of the dragon egg hints at a destiny that is greater than his humble beginnings, imbued with innate magical and combat abilities that only need the right circumstances to flourish.

However, these abilities remain latent until Eragon encounters Brom, a former Dragon Rider who becomes his mentor. It is through Brom’s teachings—lessons in magic, swordsmanship, and the ethical responsibilities of being a Dragon Rider—that Eragon begins to actualize his potential. This ‘nurturing’ environment doesn’t just come from Brom; it extends to the broader world Eragon finds himself in, filled with conflict, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. These external factors force Eragon to grow quickly, honing not only his skills but also his ethical and philosophical understanding of the world. The different races, cultures, and struggles he encounters throughout his journey serve as an evolving backdrop against which his innate abilities are continually tested and refined.

Like Paul Atreides, Eragon is a character whose innate potential is significantly shaped by the nurturing aspects of his environment and relationships. In both cases, the authors skillfully employ the concepts of nature and nurture to create characters of great depth and complexity. These protagonists are not just products of their genetic makeup or their upbringing but are shaped by a compelling interaction between the two. As such, they offer excellent examples for writers looking to explore the intricate interplay of nature and nurture in character development.

Depth Through Nature and Nurture

The concept of being “predestined but not pre-determined” is a fascinating angle for character development in fantasy fiction. It offers a nuanced view of destiny, one that allows for both inherited traits and the influence of personal experiences and choices. When crafting such a character, the genetic or mystical attributes they inherit set the stage for a series of potential outcomes. They may be born into a prophecy or with a unique magical ability, creating an air of inevitability around them. However, it’s crucial for writers to remember that a character’s destiny shouldn’t be a straightjacket but rather a loose framework within which they can grow, stumble, learn, and evolve.

For example, a character may be born with the innate ability to commune with spirits, a rare gift in their world. This sets them on a path of predestination, possibly aligning them with ancient prophecies or societal expectations. But what really defines the characters is how they navigate this path. Will they embrace their calling willingly or resist it due to personal reservations or ethical concerns? Choices made at pivotal moments can defy or redefine what seems like a set destiny, adding layers of complexity to the character.

These choices also allow for a broader emotional range and greater relatability. When a character is given the space to make mistakes, change their mind, or evolve their thinking, they become more human and multi-dimensional. This is where experiences come into play. Perhaps an early failure teaches them humility, or an encounter with a nemesis forces them to question their own ethics. Each experience serves as an opportunity for growth, steering them toward or away from their “predestined” path, but without predetermining their steps.

Writers can use this approach to add tension and uncertainty to the narrative. If a character is predestined but not pre-determined, then their choices have real stakes. Each decision could bring them closer to fulfilling their destiny or cast them further adrift, creating a rich tapestry of potential outcomes. This keeps the reader invested in the character’s journey, curious about how their inherited traits will interact with their life choices to shape their ultimate destiny.

Cultural influences serve as another vital tool for character development, especially when creating a world that is complex and multifaceted. The culture or society a character is born into will inevitably shape their worldview, instilling certain attitudes, beliefs, and even limitations that they must navigate throughout their journey. A character born into a warrior society, for example, might place a high value on honor and physical prowess, whereas one raised in a scholarly enclave may prioritize knowledge and diplomacy.

Understanding the cultural backdrop is critical because it forms the initial “mold” from which the character is cast. Their early beliefs and values are often a reflection of their society’s norms, which can be used to create both internal and external conflicts. For instance, what happens when a character raised in a patriarchal society begins to question gender roles? Or how does a character from a culture that despises magic feel when they discover their own magical abilities? These cultural conflicts can serve as potent catalysts for character development, pushing the character toward self-examination and, ultimately, growth.

Moreover, cultural influences can add depth to the character’s interactions with others. Differences in cultural beliefs and practices can lead to misunderstandings, alliances, or even conflicts with characters from other backgrounds. These interactions serve as a mirror, reflecting and challenging the character’s ingrained beliefs and compelling them to either defend, adjust, or completely overhaul their worldview.

Cultural limitations can also serve as hurdles the character must overcome, either by transcending the limitations or by turning them into strengths. For instance, a character born into poverty in a class-stratified society might face systemic obstacles that make their journey toward fulfilling their destiny more arduous. This adds a layer of complexity and urgency to their quest, making their achievements all the more remarkable when and if they do overcome the odds.

A character’s cultural background provides not just a set of attributes or constraints but serves as a dynamic shaping tool. Writers can employ cultural influences to create multifaceted characters whose attitudes and beliefs evolve over time, impacted by both their own choices and their interactions with a broader world. Like the interplay between predestined traits and personal choices, the tension between cultural norms and individual agency can add depth, realism, and emotional resonance to a character’s journey.

Writing Exercises for Nature vs. Nurture

Genetic Lottery: Write a scene where a character discovers they have inherited a rare and significant trait or ability. How do they react?

Environmental Pressures: Write a scene where a character’s inherited traits are stifled or shaped by their upbringing or environment. What internal conflicts arise?

Understanding and applying the concept of Nature vs. Nurture in your characters can provide a rich tapestry of factors that influence their development. Whether they are destined for greatness or shaped into it, the psychological depth you add will make for a more engaging and thought-provoking read.

[ 17. Tension and Catharsis | Contents | 19. The DSM for Fantasy Writers ]

Last Modified: 10/05/2023

 

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