In fantasy, magic is a given. It’s expected as part of the genre. But magic can do just as much for the characters in your story as it does for the world you’re building.
In the realm of fantasy, magic serves as more than just a plot device. Used correctly, magic systems can help to shape a character’s identity and guide their destiny. The relationship between magic systems and character develop is an often underutilized tool to reveal the depths of the human experience.
The Role of Magic in Character Building
Whether it’s part of their backstory or future, magic can influence all areas of a character’s life. From inner conflicts and moral dilemmas to interpersonal relationships and the way they solve problems, magic can spark growth, fuel their dreams, and reveal the inner levels of their true self. Even antagonists can be shaped by magic.
Establishing Character Backstories Rooted in Magic
The first thing that comes to mind when looking at how magic can influence character is heritage and environment.
Heritage and Lineage
Whether it’s the character’s magical ancestry, or lack thereof, looking at their magical heritage can help paint a picture of who they are today. The magical legacy passed down through generations plays a pivotal role in shaping the character’s innate connection to magic and their place in the mystical realm.
Upbringing and Environment
Equally important is the examination of a character’s upbringing and environment. How exposure to magic during their formative years shapes their worldview and understanding of the mystical forces at play. Whether raised in an enchanted enclave or a non-magical realm, the character’s early experiences contribute significantly to their attitudes, beliefs, and overall perspective on magic.
Impact of Magical Abilities on Personality Traits
Magical powers have a profound impact on a character’s personality, influencing not only their actions but also their temperament, courage, and vulnerability.
For example, if a character was raised with magic, their strengths and weaknesses are going to be influenced by the magic they wield. In the same thread, if they weren’t raised with magic, their strengths and weaknesses are going to reflect that.
Magic can also influence a character’s moral compass. Think of how many books you’ve read where magic was the defining line between two social classes. That isn’t the only way to shape a character’s moral compass though. Think about a character who has healing magic, but can also feel the pain of those they heal. They’re going to look at violence a lot differently than someone without that power, even in situations where violence might be “justified.”
Finally, the presence, or lack, of magic can greatly influence a character’s decision-making process. Especially if magic use has dire consequences, characters will need to take that into account before they wield.
Magic becomes a compelling force in the character’s Decision-Making Process, steering their choices and actions. Analyzing the intricate web of consequences stemming from the use of magic unravels the depth of character development, portraying the profound impact that mystical abilities have on their trajectory and the narrative’s unfolding drama.
Magic can add a level of complexity to a character, weaving together their strengths, weaknesses, and choices to create a character who is deeply reflective of the human experience.
Character Arcs and Magic Systems
We’ve talked a bit about how magic systems can shape a character before they even begin a story. But what about the impact of magic on character arcs?
Evolving Through Magical Discovery
Within the story, things like the discovery of magic can serve as a transformational moment for your character. These are instances where your character goes through a metamorphosis of sorts and serves as a turning point in their character growth. Maybe they discover magic or maybe they just discover a failing of magic, this moment would set the character on a new path of self-discovery.
Within the realm of character growth, the exploration of Transformational Moments serves as a crucial element. These are pivotal instances when characters first encounter or master magic, sparking a profound metamorphosis in their personal development. These moments become the crucible in which characters are forged, awakening dormant potentials and setting the stage for an unfolding journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
It can also be used to signal a parallel trajectory where a character’s personal trajectories align with their development in mastering magic. These parallel trajectories create a dynamic synergy, where external challenges and internal growth are intricately interwoven. In addition, demonstrating how the characters’ journey to understand and control magic parallels their inner growth. Mastering magic can become a mirror reflecting the characters’ evolving beliefs, strengths, and vulnerabilities.
Consequences of Magical Actions on Character Development
Shaping Character Arcs through Repercussions
The aftermath of wielding magic can serve to steer a character’s arcs and shape their subsequent choices. These moments serve as crossroads, offering characters opportunities for growth, redemption, or descent into further turmoil (aka a great way to start a villain narrative).
Characters may rise above the challenges that arise from the magic or succumb to the weight of their actions, regressing into uncharted depths of darkness. The dance between choices and repercussions can become a powerful force shaping the character arcs.
Relationships and Interactions Shaped by Magic
In the same way magic can be used to show a character’s personal growth, it can also be used to show and influence relationships. There may be instances where magical abilities strengthen or form bonds between characters. Magic can even become a source of conflict, leading to misunderstandings and arguments between characters.
The most common example of this is the mentor within a magical story. You know who I’m talking about: the person that comes in to teach the character about magic and, at the same time, about themself. This is just one example of many ways to use magic to forge an alliance between characters.
Writing Prompt:
Think of your main character and one of the other characters in your story (it can be an antagonist, friend, whatever, but it should be someone who they regularly interact with).
Now, think of a time when the magic in your world would put them at odds with each other. What’s happening in that scene? Why are they at odds? What are the longer consequences of this interaction?
Magic Awaits
As writers, embracing the synergy between magic systems and characters offers a chance to delve deeper into characters in a way that’s not always possible in other genres. So the next time you’re writing or revising a story with a magic system, I challenge you to dig a little deeper.
How’d It Go?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in crafting magical systems for your own stories. If you share your thoughts, challenges, or unique elements on social, be sure to tag me (@taylormunsell on Instagram and TikTok).