Well, exposition in science fiction is like the mortar between the bricks of world - building. It fills in the gaps. In a story about time travel, the exposition might explain the rules of time travel, the technology used, and the consequences of messing with time. This all adds to making the world seem more real and the story more engaging.
Exposition can build on the history of the science fiction world. Take 'Foundation' as an example. The exposition about the fall of the Galactic Empire and Hari Seldon's psychohistory theory forms the backbone of the story's world - building. It makes the reader understand why the events unfold as they do.
Metaphors are very useful in science fiction world - building. They can make abstract concepts more tangible. For instance, if we consider a spaceship as a 'floating island', it gives a different perspective. It allows the reader to better understand the isolation and self - containment of the spaceship within the vastness of space. This way, metaphors enrich the overall world - building process.
Jargon enhances world - building in science fiction by making the fictional world seem more real and detailed. For example, if a story has terms like 'quantum jump gate', it gives the impression of a highly advanced technological universe.
By creating distinct languages. When a science fiction story has its own unique languages for different species or cultures, it makes the world seem more real and complex. For example, the Elvish languages in 'The Lord of the Rings' (although it's more of a fantasy but still relevant). These languages give the impression that the races have their own histories, values, and ways of thinking.
Artwork can provide visual details that written descriptions in science fiction novels might not fully convey. For example, in a novel about a futuristic city, an accompanying piece of artwork could show the unique architecture, like towering spires made of some unearthly material or flying vehicles zipping between the buildings. This helps the reader to better visualize the setting, making the world - building more immersive.
It can add visual details. For instance, a brand new drawing of a post - apocalyptic city can show the crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation, making the setting more vivid.
Well, multiple perspective narrative allows for a more comprehensive view of the fantasy world. Each character might have a unique experience or knowledge of the world's rules, magic, or history. So, when we get to see through their eyes, we're building a more detailed and nuanced picture of the overall world. It's like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle where each piece (each perspective) adds something new to the complete image of the world in the fantasy fiction.
It provides the backdrop against which the plot unfolds. If the world has a post - apocalyptic setting, the plot will likely involve survival and resource - gathering. For instance, in 'The Road', the desolate world shapes the journey of the father and son.
It makes the story more believable. When the world is well - built, the strange elements in the fantasy novel seem natural. So it attracts readers.
Well, general fiction usually builds its world around the relationships, emotions, and social structures of the characters. It might focus on a particular place and time, like a city during the Depression era. But science fiction's world - building goes beyond that. It has to create not just a place, but a whole new set of scientific rules. For instance, in a science fiction world, there could be a race of beings that communicate telepathically. This requires a different kind of world - building that is centered around scientific possibilities rather than just human experiences. So, science fiction world - building is more about stretching the boundaries of what we know scientifically, while general fiction is more about exploring the human experience within a familiar or slightly modified world.
Concept art contributes to world - building in science fiction by visualizing the settings. It shows what the future cities, alien planets, or spaceships look like, helping the audience to better understand the story's environment.