Definition of

Setting

Bar in Karpathos

The atmosphere of a bar is important, since it is the first thing we perceive.

The process and result of setting is called setting . This verb (ambient) has several uses.

Various meanings

Setting is called creating an appropriate environment (an atmosphere, an environment) from lighting, decoration and other elements. Setting is also showing social or historical characteristics through various details in a film, television program, book or other type of work. A third meaning of the term refers to accustoming an individual to an environment that is strange or unexplored.

Commercial setting

The atmosphere of a party room is given by the decorative objects, light and furniture, among other issues. To celebrate a wedding , for example, light or pastel tones, white tablecloths and floral arrangements are usually chosen as part of the setting.

The atmosphere is very important in a bar or restaurant . A gastronomic establishment that specializes in Mexican food, to mention one possibility, can use a setting with paintings by Frida Kahlo , mariachi hats and images of Chespirito .

in fiction

In the field of fiction, the setting is the component that allows the construction of the context in which the story develops. This setting can be indirect or direct, depending on whether the characters' dialogues, an extradiegetic narrator , etc. are used.

If we focus on cinema , the setting involves coordinating various resources that are complementary to the narrative itself. This work makes possible the construction of a reality that is presented as credible and coherent to the viewer. Cinema shares many elements with a more modern art form, but no less important today: video games. In both cases, the creators have at their disposal the image, sound, actors and narration, among others, to create the most appropriate setting for each case.

At first glance it may seem easy to find the ideal setting for a story: we could say, for example, that a horror story needs darkness and tense music. But the best exponents of each genre are characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a series of innovative ideas that emerged from the passion of their creators. At this point we must highlight the importance of the connection between the creator and the work to find the appropriate setting: if the work is made only for the public, then the link is not strong enough to generate the desired impact.

Writers, screenwriters and directors must begin by asking themselves what causes them fear, nostalgia, anxiety or any other sensation or feeling with which they intend to impregnate a scene ; When they find the answer, they can begin to try different techniques and ideas until they themselves achieve what, in the best of cases, the audience will also feel.

Forest with fog

The setting of horror stories often includes darkness and fog.

The details

As we anticipated above, the setting is not only built from the most obvious elements, but also from many others that reach our brain in an inadvertent, unconscious way. Here the cunning and dedication of the fiction creators plays a primary role, since choosing these details must be done from a deep knowledge of the work.

When we come across an excellent setting, it stays with us forever , just like music or a great performance. They are those things that in general we do not know how to put into words, but that impact us at an unprecedented level and leave an indelible mark . We feel like we've really been there, and this makes the settings part of our memories, as much as our favorite vacation or childhood home.