How to help reader visualize the environment in a story?
In a story where there is
only one character
doesn't talk to anyone
don't know where he is
and is narrating his story
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1 answer
If the character is narrating his story to the reader, then he's speaking to the reader, so that problem is solved.
If he doesn't know where he is, then he has to figure it out from what he can take in through his senses, which he's going to describe to the reader.
I woke up slowly. It was dark, and cold — a lot colder than the last time I remembered being awake. My bad shoulder burned with strain. I tried to move my arms, but I quickly realized there was a rope or cord tying my hands behind my back. I was going to be in hell come the morning. I took a deep breath to clear my head, and I got freshly-cut pine — and the incongruous but unmistakable scent of popcorn. Popcorn? Outside? At night? What's going on out there? I strained my ears, still unable to see, and could faintly make out excited voices, including a few children. Bonfire Night. It's Bonfire Night. They're here to see the Guy burn.
So by the character describing what he can observe, you can start to give your reader details, and the character and reader should figure things out more or less together.
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