Question

In what ways does setting influence characterization? Provide an example.

Answer 1

Is this for a specific novel or film? If so, my example will be off, but I hope it helps anyway.

Setting influences characterization as the setting creates atmosphere and mood. If the setting were to be dark and gloomy, the character used in such a scene would be perceived by the audience as a sorrowful character. For example, in the graveyard scene of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the graveyard is gloomy, dark and creepy. When Voldemort arrives in the graveyard, he is portrayed similarly and complemented by the setting.

If J.K Rowling wanted to portray Lord Voldemort as friendly and inviting, she'd have set that scene up in a coffee shop with bright lights and yellow wallpaper.

Good luck!