Exploring Diversity in Fantasy Worlds: Embracing Inclusive Perspectives and Characters

Fantasy worlds are limitless. They are places where dragons soar, magic flows, and entire kingdoms rise and fall. Yet, too often, these worlds fail to reflect the vast diversity of experiences, cultures, and perspectives found in our own reality. For many years, mainstream fantasy was dominated by Eurocentric settings, white cisgender protagonists, and rigid definitions of gender, race, and culture. But the tide is changing.

As writers, we now have an incredible opportunity - not just to tell exicting stories, but to create fantasy worlds that are inclusive, vibrant, and reflective of the beautifully diverse reality we live in. By embracing diversity in our writing, we can reach readers who've never seen themselves in fantasy before, inspire empathy, and celebrate the power of different perspectives.

The Impact of Diverse Characters on Readers

Representation matters. It always has.

For readers who've spent their lives searching fro themselves in books, seeing a character who reflects their identity can be a life-changing. When a Trans teen picks up a fantasy novel and finds a heroine who shares their experience, it can be like finding a light in the darkness. When a reader from an underrepresented culture sees their traditions, myths, or values woven into the fabric of a fictional world, it tells them" You Belong here. You derserve to be seen.

Diverse characters do more than validate marginalized readers they also invite those outside those identities to step into new shoes. Fantasy has always been a genre of escapism, but it's also a genre of empathy. Through the lens of an orc's struggle for justice, a disabled mage's quest for power, or a queer elf's fight for acceptance, readers are given a window into experiences that may be far from their own - and yet deeply human.

And that's the magic of diversity in fantasy. It doesn't just create worlds - it creates bridges.

The Beauty of Different Perspectives in Storytelling

The most compelling fantasy worlds are ones that feel alive—filled with cultures, beliefs, and people who are complex and real. When writers lean into diverse perspectives, their stories become richer and more dynamic. And just think of all the wonderful things you get to learn by exposing yourself to such reading and/or writing. It is truly fascinating to explore other cultures, learn about them and weave them into your creation, or your imagination when reading.

1. Expanding Your Worldbuilding Horizons - Imagine a fantasy world inspired by North African architecture, or one shaped by Polynesian navigation traditions. Picture a society built around communal caretaking instead of hierarchies, or a world where magic is gender-fluid, shifting in power as its wielder redefines themselves. These are the kinds of stories that emerge when we embrace perspectives outside the usual mold—and they’re the kinds of stories that captivate readers.

   
   

2. Challenging Stereotypes - Diversity in fantasy also gives us the chance to dismantle harmful stereotypes. Instead of leaning on the tired trope of "savage" orcs, what if we explored orc culture as one rich in music, storytelling, and diplomacy? Instead of painting the “other” as a monolith of evil, what if we interrogated the systems that created division in the first place? By giving depth to characters who might otherwise be one-dimensional, we can show readers that there’s no such thing as a single story.

   
   

3. Highlighting Intersectionality - Diversity isn’t just about ticking off boxes—it’s about exploring the intersections of identity. A queer, disabled character of color will have a vastly different experience from a white cisgender queer character. When we include these nuances in our storytelling, we not only honor the complexity of real-life identities, but we also create characters who resonate on a deeper, more human level.

Tips for Creating Inclusive Fantasy Worlds

Developing an inclusive fantasy world requires careful consideration of character development and cultural sensitivity. Here are some practical strategies for authors eager to incorporate diversity into their narratives:

1. Research Authentic Cultures:

   Invest time in understanding the cultures you want to portray. For instance, reading about Afrocentric traditions can help develop characters that feel real and relatable, while avoiding harmful clichés.

   
   

2. Create Complex Characters:

   Steer clear of one-dimensional stereotypes. Give characters distinct backgrounds and personalities. For example, a character might belong to a warrior clan but also be an artist, highlighting their multifaceted nature.

   
   

3. Build Diverse Communities:

   Design societies where diversity is typical, not a rarity. Populate your world with various races, classes, and belief systems. This adds depth and reflects a more realistic society, much like the present-day world.

   
   

4. Listen to Diverse Voices:

   Engage with readers and professionals from different cultural backgrounds for authentic feedback. Collaborating with sensitivity readers can ensure accurate representations, enhancing your story's richness.

   
   

5. Avoid Tokenism:

   One of the biggest pitfalls in creating diverse worlds is falling into tokenism - adding a single "diverse" character or culture as an afterthought. Diversity should be woven into the fabric of the story, not tacked on like an accessory. I build my worlds from a veritable melting pot of cultures. Arkannia, for example, has elements of Spannish, Gallic, Celtic, Egyptian. And Llamda - well that is heavily influenced by Scots Gaelic langauge and culture, and in later places influenced by Hindu, Sanskrit and Laotion as well as Japanese cultures. I try my best to honour those cultures and not make light of them, for everyone's culture is important to me.

   
   

   Some things I like to ask, if I am including a marginalized group.

   - How do they shape the history, economy, or culture of the world I am creating?

   - What challenges do they face?

   - What unique strengths and traditions do they bring to the table.

   
   

6. Celebrate Differences:

   Show how diverse cultures can learn from each other and create something beautiful. Perhaps a partnership between characters from different backgrounds could lead to the invention of a powerful magic tool.

   
   

A Call for Inclusive Storytelling

Embracing diversity in fantasy worlds not only enhances storytelling but also reflects the rich spectrum of human experiences. It deepens our understanding of identity, promotes empathy, and encourages growth through exposure to new ideas.

Creating inclusive fantasy worlds demands intention and effort. However, the transformative impact on readers can be profound. By integrating diverse characters and perspectives, authors can craft narratives that inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences eager for representation and authenticity.

As the landscape of fantasy literature evolves, it has the power to enlighten hearts and minds—one diverse character at a time.

A vivid and enchanting landscape reflecting the diversity found in fantasy worlds.