When someone asks how the setting affects the character, they are inquiring about the relationship between the environment in which the character exists and the character's development, behavior, or experiences. The "blank" invites you to explain this effect in detail.
For example, you might say:
-
Social Context: If the setting is a strict boarding school, it might impact a character's personality by making them more rebellious or conformist based on their response to authority.
-
Cultural Environment: A character raised in a community with differing values may struggle with identity if they move to a place with contrasting beliefs or norms.
-
Physical Setting: A character living in a war-torn country may become more resilient or desensitized to violence, shaping their worldview.
In essence, the setting encompasses various elements like time, place, culture, and circumstances that can profoundly influence a character's thoughts, decisions, and growth throughout a narrative.