Research forms the base of all aspects of creative writing as it plays a pivotal role in crafting realistic plots, settings, and characters. Whether in fiction or non-fiction writing, the role of research remains unchanging but differs in usage. It enhances an author’s creativity, ensures accuracy, and makes stories more engaging.
Continue reading this article as we analyze the role of research in fiction and non-fiction writing.
Research in Fiction Writing
Fiction authors rely greatly on research findings to create relatable storylines, settings, and characters. They provide a rich and enjoyable reading experience by delving into various cultures and traditions, historical events, realistic human experiences, and scientific discoveries. Below are a few roles of research in fiction writing:
Character Development
Research is an essential tool for character formation in a fiction story. It gives an author a thorough understanding and a clear picture of various character traits inherent in humans. Through research, an author becomes aware of various human behavior and life experiences. It gives them a clearer view of some factors that can affect a person’s actions, reactions, and inactions which may include fear, motivation, passion, habit, etc. Research goes a long way in enhancing the depth, complexity, and relatability of character development. It helps authors to assign the best trait to a specific character, thus, creating compelling characters.
Realistic Storyline and Setting
Another crucial role of research in fiction is its ability to enforce realistic plotlines and settings. The wealth of information available to an author determines the quality of the narrative he/she produces. An author who does good research will craft plausible and believable stories. Research enriches a writer with facts to support the narrative if a story revolves around a particular geographical area, culture, historical period, religion, or profession. Hence, research enhances the authenticity of a fiction story.
Fuels Imagination and Inspiration
Research is a driving force that fuels imagination and inspiration. Many good stories are birthed through creativity which is often triggered by the information amassed through research. Authors are great at turning little ideas into stories. They sit on these ideas, meditate over them, and craft beautiful pictures out of them. Consequently, by exploring different information sources, and reading books and stories by other authors, it is easier for an author to get inspired and create a fresh and compelling story.
Historical Accuracy
While some fiction stories are infused with a little bit of historical events, a few others are completely histo-centric. However, accuracy is required to make such stories believable. Irrespective of the fact that a story is fictitious, the historical events portrayed in it ought to be accurate. Histories are universal happenings that are known to many. For instance, most individuals are familiar with the account of certain colonial events of various countries including their dates and other countries involved. Any story void of accurate historical information becomes unrealistic and becomes less engaging. Hence, research plays a vital role in equipping authors with correct historical information which creates a realistic narrative and offers readers an immersive reading experience.
Research in Non-Fiction Writing
Non-fiction stories usually involve facts and real events which are obtained through interviews, surveys, consultations, and primary, or secondary information sources. Hence, non-fiction research is helpful in the following ways;
Create Supporting Argument
The role of research in non-fiction writing cannot be over-emphasized since such stories are based on facts and true accounts of real happenings. The writer aims to tell a real-life story while grasping the readers’ attention. However, there is an obvious need for a writer to present claims that support his/her story. As such, research helps to provide authors with concrete evidence to strengthen their narrative.
Ensures Accuracy
Non-fiction research helps to ensure accuracy which promotes credibility and trustworthiness. Readers are easily hooked to stories with accurate details and information. Hence, research plays a crucial role in providing authors with verified names, dates, figures, or occurrences. It offers detailed information in an accurate historical or socio-cultural context. A well-researched story is void of misinterpreted or manipulated data. Thus, readers are equipped with correct information which enhances their knowledge bank and also promotes the author.
Provide Detailed Information
Another major role of non-fiction research is its ability to enrich the story with detailed information. An author is usually insufficient in information since non-fiction deals with real events. Nevertheless, research equips authors with detailed information for the plot development. Through various research methods such as interviews, observation, and content analysis, a large amount of information that can satisfy an audience must have been gathered.
Conclusion
The authenticity, depth, and relatability of any literary work lie in the author’s ability to do good research. Incorporating research in creative writing helps to develop rich and real plotlines, settings, and characters that captivate readers. However, research is successful and productive if it is credible, verified, and accurate.