Build your Story with the Building Worlds Worksheet

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When you're writing a script, planning a novel, or developing a video game, having a well-built world is key. You'll also need to know how to write the stories set in that world. The Building Worlds Worksheet is a guide for telling stories set in fictional worlds.

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Why World Building is Important

When a world feels real, the story becomes much stronger. World building is the process of designing a fictional world. A well-built world helps avoid plot holes and makes the audience more invested.

For writers, world building shapes the playing field in which your stories can take place. Especially for transmedia projects, solid worldbuilding is very important. World building will help you to discover your fictional world, and make it easier to write.

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What is the Building Worlds Worksheet?

The Building Worlds Worksheet helps you create a rich and consistent universe. It breaks down the process into seven stages:

1. Know Your Setting: Start with a basic idea of your story. Write down what you already know and begin shaping your world.
2. Define the Status Quo: What was your world like before things changed? Whether it's peace or war, define the normal state.
3. Identify the Turning Point: This is when the old world changes. What events changed the course of your story?
4. Create the Major Players: Who are the key characters involved in the changes? Define their role in the world.
5. Understand Their Philosophy: What beliefs drive your characters? These influence the world around them.
6. Describe Key Events: What important events followed the turning point?
7. Write Your Story: Now, with all the pieces in place, you can bring your world and story to life.

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How to Use This Worksheet

The Building Worlds Worksheet is a great tool for anyone working on films, books, or games.

This document isn't just a template. It gives you clear assignments that make the process creative and fun. It helps you explore the timeline of your universe, from its history to its future. This depth allows you to create many stories set in the same world. No matter the medium—film, game, or book—this guide will help you build a world that captivates and engages.

You can also pair this worksheet with the Advanced World Building Document. This document will challenge you to think even more deeply about your world.

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More on World Building

We have a bunch of blogs written about world building and storytelling. 

You could check out:

• ‍5 Questions to Ask Yourself when Writing Your Story
• ‍A Guide to Internal and External Logic
• ‍World Building Techniques for Fantasy Stories
• ‍How to Create Great Magic Systems
• ‍How To Make Your World Building Feel Detailed
• ‍World Building Questions for Costume Designers

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Building Worlds is an Open-source Project 

Building Worlds is an open-source project with MIT License. Developers interested in contributing to the project, can contact Harry through our contact form. 

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