Action Adventure Fantasy Quests, and the uses of Symbolism and Moral Dilemmas to Enhance the Story.

Today, we continue discussing ways fantasy writers enhance their stories to make them more interesting. Continuing on the original ten points from the first blog post about this subject, I dig into steps seven and eight.

7. Utilizing symbolism and allegory to add depth to the quest's themes.

Using symbolism and allegory can add layers of meaning and depth to the themes of your quest storyline in a fantasy action-adventure novel. Here are some ways to incorporate symbolism and allegory effectively:

• Symbolic Objects
• Character Archetypes
• Landscape and Environment
• Allegorical Plot Elements
• Metaphorical Language
• Subtextual Themes

With the introduction of objects or artifacts that carry symbolic significance related to the quest's themes work as focal points for the characters' journey, imbuing them with mythic resonance and driving the narrative forward.

In Robert Jordan's, Eye of the World, we are introduced to several symbolic objects. We find that the Aes Sedai, Moraine, is carrying the Dragon Banner. A banner that represents the Dragon Reborn. A legendary character that will fight against the Dark One's evil and save the world. 

Matt Cauthon finds the jewel encrusted dagger at Shador Logoth. It represents corruption from associating with evil people. Once he has it in his possession, he slides into gradual corruption, demonstrating the peril of dealing with evil artifacts.

Rand Al Thor takes his father's sword, the one with the heron-mark on it, and people automatically assume he is a master swordsman because of the mark. Though he had never picked up a sword in his life and never knew his father had the sword.

Last week, I talked about adding stereotypical characters to your story. Both the good points and the bad points of doing that. But once you have these character types, you can assign symbolic roles to characters that align with archetypal figures from mythology and folklore. For instance, the protagonist might embody the hero's journey, facing trials and temptations as they pursue their quest. Similarly, supporting characters could represent aspects of the human psyche or moral dilemmas central to the story's themes.

By showcasing certain characteristics, the writer has you seeing different sides to the same coin. The poor boy who wants to be a rich, royal prince compared to the actual prince, who is weighed down by his commitments and responsibilities to the crown.

Jordan continues with these archetypes, using Rand as the Hero's Journey archetype. Moraine takes on the role of Mentor, and the Dark One takes on the role of Shadow archetype.

Utilize the setting and environment as symbolic elements that reflect the themes of the quest. A treacherous mountain range might symbolize the challenges and obstacles the characters must overcome, while a tranquil forest could represent renewal and transformation. By imbuing the landscape with symbolic meaning, you create a rich and immersive backdrop for the adventure.

One place the teens go to escape from the evil monsters that chased them was an ancient city of ruins known as Shador Logoth. It was a setting that symbolized man's greed and what happens to people who are consumed by greed. We see this symbolism play out in Matt Cauthon.

Utilize Divergent Paths to create Tension

Craft plot elements and events that function as allegories for broader themes or concepts. For example, a quest to recover a lost artifact could serve as an allegory for the search for self-discovery or the pursuit of knowledge. Similarly, conflicts between rival factions might mirror real-world struggles for power, freedom, or justice.

The teen's journey from Emond's field can be seen as an allegory of stepping away from youth and innocence and growing in knowledge, confidence, and maturity. They must pass from childhood to adulthood. They must lose the security of home, face trials, and discover themselves.

The Dark One represents the ultimate evil and the constant threat of evil and strife that seeks to engulf the world. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the constant presence of evil and corruption in the world, as well as the internal struggle between good and evil within individuals. C. S. Lewis wrote his fantasy novels in the same way, highlighting the presence of good and evil and how it's everyone's responsibility to seek out good.

The White Tower and the Aes Sedai represent knowledge, wisdom, and the use of power. Their complex politics and the division between the Ajahs can be seen as a metaphor for the complexities of governance, the use of knowledge, and the ethical implications of power. What happens to some people when they gain power? Jordan showcases the person who rises to power organically, the search for power for the sake of power, and the person who is forced into a powerful position when they see a vacuum that needs to be filled. 

Use metaphorical language and imagery to convey deeper meaning and subtext in the narrative. Describe scenes, characters, and events in evocative terms that invite interpretation and reflection. By employing vivid imagery and figurative language, you engage readers' imaginations and encourage them to delve beneath the surface of the story.

The complex discussion of Nature and Seasons showcases the imagery Jordan uses. The unseasonably cold weather at the beginning of the novel symbolizes the unnatural influence of the Dark One on the world. The harsh winter that won’t end reflects the looming threat and disruption of natural order.

Despite all the calls for the war against drugs, gun control, and no child left behind, we are never able to fix the world's problems. The concept of the Wheel of Time itself is a powerful metaphor. The cyclical nature of time, with ages that come and go, symbolizes the idea of history repeating itself and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

And finally, the corruption of vegetation in the Blight is a physical manifestation of the Dark One’s influence, representing corruption, decay, and the perversion of nature. It is a metaphor for the pervasive and corrupting influence of evil.

Explore thematic concepts and philosophical questions through sub-textual layers of symbolism and allegory. Address universal themes such as good versus evil, the nature of heroism, the search for identity, or the cycle of life and death in ways that resonate with readers on a deeper level.

These sub-textual themes are skillfully woven into the fabric of the Eye of the World, enhancing the depth and complexity of the story. Jordan’s ability to integrate these themes without overt exposition allows readers to uncover and reflect on them throughout the narrative. He shows different cultures, male dominated power structures compared to matriachal societies. 

By incorporating symbolism and allegory into your quest storyline, you infuse the narrative with richness, complexity, and thematic depth, inviting readers to engage with the story on multiple levels and discover new layers of meaning with each reading.

8. Incorporating moral dilemmas and ethical challenges for protagonists to overcome.

In a fantasy novel, characters often confront moral dilemmas that challenge their beliefs, values, and principles. Here are five examples of moral dilemmas that characters might face:

The Greater Good vs. Personal Sacrifice: A character must decide whether to prioritize the greater good of society or the welfare of their loved ones. They may be forced to make a difficult choice between saving the lives of many or risking everything to protect a few close to them, grappling with the consequences of their decision on both a personal and societal level.

Moral Choices add depth to the characters and allow readers to subconsciously wonder what they might do in this situation.

Matt Cauthon, Rand Al Thor, and Perrin Aybara are constantly asked to forsake their own desires and do what is good for the people or to save their friends. Matt wants to run off with his treasures only to be drawn into the book's greater needs over and over again. 

Power and Responsibility: A character gains access to great power or knowledge but must wrestle with the ethical implications of wielding such influence. They may struggle with questions of accountability, restraint, and the temptation to abuse their newfound abilities for personal gain or to impose their will on others.

Three women in the story, Egwene al'Vere, Nynaeve al'Meara, and Elmindreda (Min) Farshaw, must learn to channel their abilities in a responsible manner. Egwene takes over the White Tower, because she feels a great need to save the world and put aside petty differences between political factions. 

Nynaeve must learn to control her power. She is very knowledgeable, but because she's young, people don't listen to her. She must overcome her own self to achieve self-fulfillment. 

Mercy vs. Justice: When faced with a morally ambiguous situation, a character must weigh the merits of showing mercy and forgiveness against the demands of justice and retribution. They may confront dilemmas such as whether to spare the life of a remorseful enemy, seek redemption for past wrongs, or mete out punishment for crimes committed.

Identity and Allegiance: A character finds themselves torn between conflicting loyalties, ideologies, or identities, forcing them to choose where their allegiance truly lies. They may grapple with questions of loyalty to family, nation, or cause, navigating the complexities of honor, betrayal, and personal integrity in a world rife with political intrigue and shifting alliances.

Nature vs. Nurture: A character discovers unsettling truths about their origins or heritage, challenging their sense of identity and self-worth. They may struggle to reconcile their innate nature with the expectations and prejudices of society, confronting questions of destiny, free will, and the capacity for change in the face of adversity.

These moral dilemmas not only add depth and complexity to the characters' journeys but also explore universal themes of ethics, morality, and human nature that resonate with readers across different cultures and time periods. Epic fantasies are perfect opportunities to utilize these techniques to enhance the mere telling of the character's journey. When characters encounter morally ambiguous situations, we find their true natures. 

Read More -

Keeping the Fantasy Quest Engaging and Unpredictable.

The Art of Crafting a Gripping Fantasy Quest

Images in this article are from Unsplash.

George Bakos

Johnny Gios

Vladislov Babienko

Tom Barrett