World-Building Questionnaire: History and Current Events

World-building questionnaires are vital for fleshing out a fictional world. They help fantasy writers create immersive settings and are also invaluable for historical fiction authors getting to know their period and setting. A well-developed world adds depth and authenticity, making the story more engaging for readers.

Understanding your world’s history and current events is crucial. They affect the political landscape, societal norms, and your characters' motivations. Knowing these elements will help you create a believable and consistent world.

Major Historical Events

1. What are the key historical events that have shaped your world?
2. How have these events affected the political, social, and economic landscape?
3. Who were the major figures involved in these events?
4. What were the causes and consequences of these events?
5. How are these events commemorated and recorded (monuments, holidays, texts)?

Historical Periods and Eras

6. How is history divided in your world? Are there periods or eras?
7. What are the defining characteristics of each period?
8. How do different regions or cultures view these historical periods?
9. Are there any significant transitions or turning points?
10. How do historians and scholars categorize and study these periods?

Recent History and Current Events

11. What are the significant events in recent history?
12. How do these events influence current political and social dynamics?
13. Who are the key players in contemporary events?
14. What are the major issues and conflicts facing your world today?
15. How do current events reflect or contrast with historical trends?

Historical Figures and Leaders

16. Who are the prominent historical figures in your world?
17. What were their major achievements or failures?
18. How are they remembered or portrayed in modern times?
19. Are there any legends or myths surrounding these figures?
20. How do these figures influence contemporary politics or culture?

Wars and Conflicts

21. What major wars or conflicts have taken place in your world?
22. What were the causes and outcomes of these conflicts?
23. How did these conflicts shape national or regional boundaries?
24. Who were the key figures and factions involved?
25. How are these conflicts remembered and taught? Is the truth of what happened ever distorted?

Cultural and Technological Developments

26. What major cultural or technological advancements have occurred?
27. How have these developments impacted daily life and society?
28. Who were the innovators or pioneers behind these advancements?
29. How do different cultures view and adopt these developments?
30. Are there any remnants or legacies of these advancements today?

Historical Documents and Artifacts

31. What are the important historical texts and records?
32. How are these documents preserved and accessed?
33. Are there any significant artifacts or relics?
34. How do these documents and artifacts influence current knowledge and beliefs?
35. What role do historians and archaeologists play in your world?

A world-building questionnaire helps you unearth details that may not appear directly in your story. However, having these details in your mind will make your world more authentic and vibrant.

Jump to another world-building questionnaire:

• Geography and Environment
• Government and Politics
• Economy and Trade
• Daily Life and Customs
• Religion and Belief Systems
• History and Lore
• Language and Communication
• Technology and Magic

David Griffin Brown is an award-winning short fiction writer and co-author of Immersion and Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling. He holds a BA in anthropology from UVic and an MFA in creative writing from UBC, and his writing has been published in literary magazines such as the Malahat Review and Grain. In 2022, he was the recipient of a New Artist grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. David founded Darling Axe Editing in 2018, and as part of his Book Broker interview series, he has compiled querying advice from over 100 literary agents. He lives in Victoria, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.