Something I love to learn about, both in real life and in my story-worlds, are different cultures to my own. It's fascinating! I c...

Questions to Ask When Creating Fictional Ethnicities

Melissa Gravitis

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     Something I love to learn about, both in real life and in my story-worlds, are different cultures to my own. It's fascinating! I could rant for days on how complex cultures are, and what 'culture' even entails, but that's not what we're here for! 

    Today I'm hoping to help you out by asking you some questions about a people group, or ethnicity, in your world. It's so important to have a mix of people groups in your story-world, as it makes it realistic, and intriguing for the reader. But where do you start? How do you know what to focus on? Here are some questions I hope will get you started, and inspire you!

1) What region/land did this ethnicity originally belong to? Are they still living in a similar geographical location, or have they been forced to leave their land, or did they migrate? Why?

2) Above all, what values does this ethnicity hold above all others? For example, is physical strength valued above everything else, or love, or family, or personal success? Where did these key values originate from?

3) What physical features set them apart from other ethnicities? Do they have a certain hair colour exclusive to them? A certain skin tone, or face shape, or birthmark, or something else?

4) What colours are associated with them, and what ways of dress? Do the women wear bright wrap-around skirts, do all wear golden hoops in their ears, or something else? Do they have different garments to mark status within their community?

5) Who is of the highest authority within their people group? Is there a leader for each tribe, each town, or each city? Or do they all follow one central government/leader? How is the person in authority chosen; are they the oldest, the heir, or elected by the people?

6) What is considered to be their traditional meal? Is their food famous throughout other lands, or is it considered undesirable? (Quick note: remember that their food will be affected by the ingredients they have! Where they live will determine what is available. For example, if they live far inland, the likelihood of seafood is practically impossible without modern transport!)

7) What kind of housing do they live in? Do they live in easy-to-dissemble structures if they're nomads, thatched cottages, tents, brick/stone homes, townhouses, or something else? What does this choice of style of home say about them?

8) What name are they known by, from within their community? What do other ethnicities call them; something different, an insulting slur, or the same name?

9) What are their thoughts on war? Do they see it as a way to advance their values on other people groups, necessary for resources, or a part of what defines them? Are they more likely to attack or defend?

10) What is their reputation among other ethnicities? Are they considered respectable, scoundrels, or something else? What does this say about them, and what does this say about the other people groups?

11) What is the main occupation of the members of their community? How does this affect their status in comparison to other ethnicities, and how does this influence what they import/export?

12) Which form of transport is the most popular among them? Horses, wagons, carriages, oxen, camels, donkeys, by foot, or by something else? 

13) Do they have any celebrations unique to them? Why do they celebrate it, and not other people groups?

14) What religion do most members of the ethnicity follow? Or do they not follow any religion at all, or do they have a specific way of life? Do some members say they are a part of the religion, but are secretly part of another, or don't believe in its teachings?

15) Do they have their own language? If they share a language with other ethnicities, what slang or words are unique to them?

16) What would a 'regular' family group look like? Does marriage exist, or another form of commitment? Are couples expected to have children straight away, or wait? Do generations live in the same house together?

17) How would they describe themselves in one word? How would other ethnicities describe them in one word?

18) What kind of music and art is common among them? Do they have a unique instrument, style of dance/drawing/painting/pottery? What patterns and colours are associated with them?

19) How proud are members of their ethnicity? Are they ashamed and try to hide it, do they brag about it, or something else?

20) Are members known for a particular skill, or talent, such as pottery, the arts, or creating technology? Do they have magic? 

More in the Questions to Ask When... series!

Cities      History      Celebrations      Magic

Characters (Backstory, and Interview)

Schools      Monarchies      Religions

Tell me about your story's world! What ethnicities are in it? Where in your world would you want to visit, and where in it would you like to live?

Best of luck with your writing, and have a lovely day! <3

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