wondrousworldbuilding: Developing believable groups within a society There have been many famous, in

wondrousworldbuilding:

Developing believable groups within a society

There have been many famous, infamous, and secretive groups within fiction. If you’re trying to create clubs, factions, gangs, sects, guilds, brotherhoods, or any sort of organized group within your story but need a little boost getting the depth and nuances fleshed out, then I’m here to help. 

Where did they begin?

• Start with an idea. A person or a group of people came up with an idea, a philosophy, a passion. Who were they?
  
• They began recruiting, rallying others (a few other people, or large groups) around their idea. How difficult was this? How receptive were those who heard? How open about their new idea were they?
• They formed an official organization. What mission statement did they write? How was a leader or group of leaders selected? How much disagreement was there in the earlier states? How did they find and/or claim a headquarters? What rules did they start out with, if any?
• How did they adapt to growth over time? Was the growth fast or slow, if it happened at all? How did rules or structure need to be adjusted as the numbers grew?
• If the primary goal or mission was met, how did they adjust and redefine their purpose?

How do they function, once established?

• How has their origin shaped who they are as an organization today?
• How do they interact with the world at large?
  
• Are they a secret society? 
• Are they at odds with the law?
• Do they run their town/village/country, whether directly or indirectly?
• Who can join? What does joining require? Is there a “probationary” period? How are new recruits treated?
• Is there any training or education that proceeds (or precedes) initiation?
• How are they funded? 
• Through illegal means
• Through the government
• Through private donations
• Through the church
• Through the (legal) work of their members
• Do they have an official or unofficial religious affiliation?
• Do they have an emblem or a sigil, some symbol of their loyalty. How is that mark treated? How commonly recognized is that symbol?
• How free to live one’s own life is a member once they’ve joined? How much of a day-to-day impact does the membership have?
• Can they still work their old job?
• Have their old friends?
• Stay with their families? Or perhaps the families join as a unit?
• Keep their home? Perhaps they still live in it, but it becomes property of the guild? 
• How ubiquitous is the mission statement? Is it quoted frequently?
• What is the consequence for leaving the group? Or for disloyalty?

Happy writing, kiddos!

Check out the rest of the Brainstorming Series!
Magic Systems, Part One
Magic Systems, Part Two
New Species
New Worlds
New Cultures
New Civilizations
Politics and Government
Map Making 
Belief Systems & Religion
War & Conflict
Science & Technology
History & Lore