Worldbuilding in focus: wealth

Last time, we explored how Mildred the dragon-cow could ruin your plot if you did not consider how a dragon-cow’s seasonal allergies could bring chaos to your transport system. Today, our focus is a little different: wealth.

Wealth, or lack thereof, significantly influences a character's motivations, choices, and interactions with others. It also shapes their lifestyle and how they handle the challenges they face in life.

By incorporating wealth into your worldbuilding, you can explore the socioeconomic themes of privilege and social hierarchy. This adds nuance and complexity to your world and allows your reader to connect with your characters on a deeper level.

Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list but a starting point for you to get the ideas train going.

What’s the highest-paying profession in your world? 

Think about why this profession pays so well and what kind of prestige it attracts.

You might have a very dangerous job that no one wants to do which is why people pay so much money for it, or it might have a job that’s actually pretty easy but you need magic powers which not many people have so they can afford to charge a premium for their services.

What kind of profession pays poorly in your world? 

Think about why this profession doesn’t pay well and how your society considers this profession.

What’s one profession in your world that used to be common but is now rare?

Think about what changes in your world or technology made this job redundant or too dangerous to do anymore.

Are there restrictions on employment in your world? 

These restrictions could be through age, gender, race, or social status. Think about whether these restrictions are implemented by law or through social constructs.

What percent of your inhabitants own half your world’s wealth?

For context, 1% of our world’s population owns nearly half the world’s wealth.

What does the middle class look like in your world? 

Think about the small luxuries they have but also the concessions they must make compared to the upper class.

What’s the unemployment rate in your world? 

Think about what economic factors caused this and how the leaders of your world are tackling the issue.

What is a giveaway sign that someone in your world is rich or poor?

Think about physical indications, such as practical clothing, body posture, or elaborate hairstyles.