We remember the strange things. When we discuss science fiction, we marvel over the bizarre landscapes and creepy creatures that crawl from the author’s imagination.
Suspension of disbelief, however, rests a heavier burden on science fiction than similar genres, like fantasy, that also parade the unseen through the eye of imagination. Inspiration and realism, however, are not as far removed as you’d think.
Find Your Creatures
Features we find uniquely horrifying and wonderful come from nature. Too many long, spindly legs? Spiders. Giant, adorable eyes that project untainted innocence? Bush babies. To create unique creatures, it’s best to start with reality and work out.
Ask yourself what features you like about your dog.
Then ask what changes might transform your sweet pup into a nightmare beast. Longer legs? More eyes? A secondary pair of jaws?
8 Main Rules You Should Consider
1. Tie Them to Their Environment
- A creature’s physical traits and behavior should reflect its habitat. Think about how it has evolved to survive—sharp claws for climbing, camouflage for hiding, or large eyes for dark environments.
2. Give Them a Purpose
- Every creature should serve a purpose in the story or the ecosystem. Are they predators, prey, protectors, or pests? Their role can shape their design and interaction with other creatures and characters.
3. Establish Rules of Biology
- Even in a fantasy or sci-fi setting, creatures need consistent biology. Consider how they eat, move, reproduce, and interact with their environment. Consistency makes them believable.
4. Consider Interactions with Characters
- How does your creature perceive and interact with humans or other beings? Is it hostile, curious, or indifferent? These relationships add depth to your world.
5. Balance the Familiar with the Unique
- Blend familiar traits (e.g., a wolf’s pack behavior) with unique elements (e.g., glowing fur or telepathic communication). This makes the creature relatable yet exciting.
6. Think About Scale
- Size impacts how a creature moves, what it eats, and how it interacts with the world. A giant beast will create chaos differently than a swarm of tiny critters.
7. Focus on Specific Details
- Small, vivid details—like the texture of a creature’s skin or the sound it makes—can make it more memorable than overly complex designs.
8. Reflect the World’s Themes
- Let your creatures reflect the themes or tone of your story. Dark, dangerous worlds might have terrifying predators, while whimsical settings could feature playful, quirky beings.
Develop Your Creature’s Landscape
Every creature is shaped by its habitat, so think about the evolutionary perks your beast has developed. A towering stork-like bird might thrive in marshes, while a spider dog’s limbs suit swampy edges. Don’t forget plant life—it could be wildly different in your world.
No flowers? No grass? What kind of trees, if any? Factor in weather, seasons, and even celestial quirks. How do your creatures handle extreme heat, cold, or endless rain? Build a world that challenges and complements their survival!
Look at Your Ecosystem
If you have one monster, you need a supporting cast of creatures. Predators need prey, and you’ll need a mix of both herbivores and predators. Omnivores have a place in the system, too. Where do scavengers come into play, and what horrifying differences do they feature from the norm?
Keep in mind, even apex predators have competition. Humans rule our version of Earth, but we still lose individual members to animals like lions, sharks, and – of course – microbes.
Drizzle Your Fiction with Science
An alternate universe or alien planet is ultimately unknowable, but a bit of science helps with believability. For instance, massive insects need higher oxygen levels, which would impact your human characters’ stamina, focus, and even lifespan.
Research these details to add depth and make your world feel real. Think about your favorite sci-fi creature or alien world—they inspire awe and terror. You can create that same magic for your audience!
