World-Building Questionnaire: History and Current Events

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

  1. How is history divided in your world? Are there periods or eras?
  2. What are the defining characteristics of each period?
  3. How do different regions or cultures view these historical periods?
  4. Are there any significant transitions or turning points?
  5. How do historians and scholars categorize and study these periods?

Recent History and Current Events

  1. What are the significant events in recent history?
  2. How do these events influence current political and social dynamics?
  3. Who are the key players in contemporary events?
  4. What are the major issues and conflicts facing your world today?
  5. How do current events reflect or contrast with historical trends?

Historical Figures and Leaders

  1. Who are the prominent historical figures in your world?
  2. What were their major achievements or failures?
  3. How are they remembered or portrayed in modern times?
  4. Are there any legends or myths surrounding these figures?
  5. How do these figures influence contemporary politics or culture?

Wars and Conflicts

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

Cultural and Technological Developments

  1. What major cultural or technological advancements have occurred?
  2. How have these developments impacted daily life and society?
  3. Who were the innovators or pioneers behind these advancements?
  4. How do different cultures view and adopt these developments?
  5. Are there any remnants or legacies of these advancements today?

Historical Documents and Artifacts

  1. What are the important historical texts and records?
  2. How are these documents preserved and accessed?
  3. Are there any significant artifacts or relics?
  4. How do these documents and artifacts influence current knowledge and beliefs?
  5. 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:


David Griffin Brown (Septimus Brown) is the founder and senior editor at Darling Axe Editing

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.

Immersion & Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling

About the Darling Axe

Our editors are industry professionals and award-winning writers. We offer narrative development, editing, and coaching for every stage of your manuscript's journey to publication.



Work with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services


Book a sample edit with a professional fiction editor from the Darling Axe: manuscript development and book editing services



Darling Axe Academy – Query Quest: a self-paced querying course

Related Posts

World-Building Questionnaire: Religion and Belief Systems
World-Building Questionnaire: Religion and Belief Systems
Understanding your world’s religion and belief systems is crucial—they affect your characters' values, motivations, and
Read More
World-Building Questionnaire: Daily Life and Customs
World-Building Questionnaire: Daily Life and Customs
Understanding the daily life and customs of your world is crucial. They affect characters' behaviors, traditions, and in
Read More
World-Building Questionnaire: Economy and Trade
World-Building Questionnaire: Economy and Trade
Your story world’s economy and trade affect the wealth distribution, power dynamics, and daily lives of your characters.
Read More

Leave a comment

Name .
.
Message .

Thanks! Your comment has been submitted for approval. Please be patient while we weed out the spam ♥