Learning to tell stories; Brandon Sanderson, narrative techniques and world building
Brandon Sanderson has established himself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary fantasy. His works have captivated millions of readers around the world, thanks to his ability to create immersive plots, deep characters and detailed worlds. In this post, we will delve into Sanderson’s narrative style, analyzing how he develops his stories, builds iconic characters, plots complex plots and designs rich and coherent universes, with clear examples of his most outstanding series and books.
Story Innovation: Unique and structured magic systems
One of the most distinctive aspects of Sanderson’s storytelling is his meticulous approach to creating systems of magic. Unlike many authors in the genre who use magic arbitrarily, Sanderson establishes clear rules and limitations governing the use of magic in his worlds, which adds a layer of coherence and depth to his stories.
Example: The Final Empire ( 2006)
In this first book of the Born of the Mist trilogy, Sanderson introduces a system of magic known as “allomancy”. This system is based on the ingestion and burning of specific metals, each granting particular abilities, such as increasing physical strength or manipulating metallic objects. This innovation not only distinguishes his work, but also drives the plot organically, as the limitations and possibilities of the magic system directly influence the decisions and development of the characters.
Example: Breath of the Gods ( 2023).
In this most recent work, Sanderson expands his approach to magic systems, presenting a system based on the manipulation of elemental energies that require deep understanding and rigorous training. This system not only serves as a narrative tool, but also reflects the personal growth of the characters who master it, integrating magic intrinsically into the plot and story development.
Living, breathing characters: Depth and evolution.
Sanderson’s characters are multifaceted and evolve organically throughout his stories. He avoids one-dimensional stereotypes, creating protagonists with strengths and weaknesses, facing moral and personal dilemmas that make them more human and relatable.
Example: Vin from The Final Empire
Vin begins as a cautious and distrustful young woman, but as she discovers her allomantic abilities and faces increasing challenges, her character evolves profoundly. Her personal journey is filled with emotional and psychological growth, making her a protagonist with whom many readers can identify and empathize.
Example: Kaladin from Storm Files ( 2010-2024)
Kaladin is an iconic character whose evolution is central to the Storm Files series. He begins as a demoralized slave, but over the course of the books, he faces trauma, develops leadership skills, and forges a path to redemption. His internal struggle and personal growth reflect deep themes of resilience and sacrifice, enriching the narrative and offering multiple layers of interpretation.
Intricate and surprising plots: Suspense and well-grounded revelations.
Sanderson’s plots are known for their complexity and surprising revelations that keep readers hooked until the last page. He uses plot twists that, while unpredictable, always feel logical and well-grounded within the universe he has created.
Example: Elantris ( 2005)
In Elantris, Sanderson interweaves elements of politics, religion, and magic in such a way that each subplot influences the main plot. This careful interweaving of different narrative threads creates a complex web of events that culminates in a surprising but logical denouement, rewarding the reader’s attention to detail.
Example: The Born of the MistSaga ( 2006-2023)
Throughout the original trilogy and subsequent expansions of Born of the Mist, Sanderson introduces multiple plot arcs that intertwine masterfully. Plot twists, such as the revelation of true identities and the interconnection of seemingly secondary characters, maintain suspense and intrigue, ensuring that each book offers new surprises without losing coherence.
World-building: Detail and cohesion in each universe.
World-building is perhaps one of the most outstanding aspects of Sanderson’s storytelling. He devotes considerable effort to developing every aspect of his universes, from the geography and history to the cultures and physical laws that govern them.
Example: The Way of Kings ( 2010).
In this first book of the Storm Files series, Sanderson creates a world called Roshar, where massive and constant storms shape life and society. The different nations within Roshar have their own traditions, political systems, and social structures, adding a richness and diversity that makes the world feel alive and authentic.
Example: Warbreaker ( 2009)
In Warbreaker, Sanderson builds a world where magic is intrinsically linked to color and emotions, through a system called “Breath”. Each individual possesses a limited number of “Breaths” that can be transferred, thus affecting power dynamics and personal relationships. This detail not only enriches the plot, but also reflects the interconnectedness between the characters and their environment.
Writing Procedures: Meticulous Planning and Interconnected Worlds
Sanderson is known for his meticulous planning and for creating interconnected universes that span multiple series. His structured approach allows him to maintain consistency and depth throughout his works, facilitating connections between different stories and characters.
Example: Cosmere
The Cosmere is the shared universe where most of Sanderson’s works take place, including Elantris, Born of the Mist, Warbreaker and Storm Files. This interconnectedness allows events and characters from different series to intertwine, creating a web of stories that complement and enrich each other. The long-term planning of Cosmere demonstrates Sanderson’s ability to maintain narrative cohesion across multiple books and series.
Example: Notation system and detailed maps.
Sanderson uses tools such as detailed maps, chronologies, and character outlines to organize his plots and ensure that every element of his world is well defined. This planning discipline allows him to handle complex stories without losing sight of important details, ensuring a smooth and coherent reading experience.
Descriptive style: Creating authentic atmospheres
In addition to building detailed worlds, Sanderson is skilled at creating atmospheres that immerse the reader in his universes. He uses vivid and accurate descriptions to bring settings to life, allowing readers to visualize and feel each environment.
Example: Description of the storms in The Way of Kings.
The storms in Roshar are not just meteorological phenomena, but elements that influence the architecture, fashion, and daily lives of its inhabitants. Sanderson painstakingly describes how these storms affect the structure of cities, military defenses, and daily routines, creating a palpable sense of how the environment shapes society.
Example: The cities of Elantris
The cities in Elantris are described in such detail that readers can imagine their streets, buildings, and landscapes. The transformation of Elantris from a thriving city to a mysterious ruin is told with descriptions that capture both beauty and decay, reflecting the emotional state of the characters and the plot.
A capable storyteller
Brandon Sanderson has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller through his ability to innovate in story development, create memorable characters, and build incredibly detailed worlds. His narrative style combines meticulous structure with organic character and plot developments that keep readers hooked from beginning to end. In addition, his focus on well-defined systems of magic and his dedication to building cohesive, detail-rich worlds make his works true gems of modern fantasy.
For any writer aspiring to master the art of fantasy storytelling, studying Sanderson’s works offers valuable lessons on how to create captivating universes and memorable tales. If you have not yet explored his books, we invite you to immerse yourself in his stories and discover why Brandon Sanderson is considered one of today’s masters of fantasy.
