Worldbuilding: Two-Layer Explanation Tip for Worldbuilding

Ever get stuck on trying to answer problems created by your worldbuilding? Or do you need help finding solutions to the questions your worldbuilding creates? Then here is one of my favorite pieces of worldbuilding advice I've ever come across! A piece of advice that I've often implemented into my own writing.

Let me introduce you to: The Two-Layer Worldbuilding Explanation.

What is a two-layer explanation? 

A two-layer explanation, as the name suggests, uses two layers of explanation: one to explain the specific problem and the other explaining the explanation. This approach is a clever way to address plot holes and maintaining a sense of coherence within a fictional world. Let's break down an example following this structure:

Example 1:

  Plot Hole 1: In a fantasy world, magic exists, but only a few people can use it. Why is magic so selective, and what determines who can use it? 

Solution 1: Magic is a gift from ancient elemental spirits, and only individuals with a strong affinity for a specific element can harness its power.

This unfortunately opens up additional questions.

Plot Hole 2: Why do these elemental spirits choose specific individuals, and what criteria do they use?

Solution 2: The elemental spirits are bound by a cosmic balance and choose individuals based on their inherent qualities such as courage, wisdom, or empathy. The spirits aim to maintain harmony in the magical forces.

However, this explanation prompts another inquiry:

Plot Hole 3: What is the origin of these elemental spirits, and why are they invested in maintaining cosmic balance?

Solution 3: The elemental spirits are remnants of ancient, powerful wizards who sacrificed themselves to preserve the magical equilibrium. Their essence became the spirits, and now they seek to prevent the misuse of magic, which could lead to catastrophic consequences.

It takes at least two layers to create an illusion that every question has an answer—that your worldbuilding iceberg is not, indeed, hollow. By introducing these layers of explanation, each answer both resolves and expands upon the previous question, creating a sense of depth in the magical system of the fantasy world. This approach allows for a structured and intriguing narrative without requiring exhaustive details for every aspect of the fictional universe. You might even find that the second questions answers loops right back into the first one, filling up the plot hole entirely.

You don't need to have an answer for everything, two layers can be enough to create the illusion of infinite depth. Answer the question that looms behind the answer of the first question, and a normal reader won't bother to dig around for a third question.

Lets do another example:

Example 2:

Plot Hole 1: The protagonist gains superpowers from exposure to a rare meteorite. Why is this meteorite so unique, and why does it grant powers?

Solution 1: The meteorite contains an extraterrestrial element called Xenium, which reacts with human DNA, unlocking latent abilities.

Again, this raises more questions:

Plot Hole 2: Why does Xenium exist, and why does it have such a specific effect on human DNA?

Solution 2: Xenium was intentionally sent to Earth by an ancient alien civilization seeking to uplift human evolution. It's a form of controlled experimentation on developing intelligent life.

Unfortunately, this introduces yet another mystery:

Plot Hole 3: What is the purpose of this ancient alien civilization, and why are they interested in Earth?

Solution 3: The ancient aliens are a group of cosmic guardians who aim to foster advanced civilizations across the universe. Earth is a crucial experiment for them, and they use Xenium to influence evolution positively.

This layered approach provides a chain of explanations, each answering the question raised by the previous one. It creates the illusion of depth and complexity in the fictional universe, leaving readers satisfied without delving too deep into the potential infinite loop of questions. The key is to strategically introduce layers that both resolve existing questions and introduce new elements, maintaining a delicate balance to keep the narrative engaging.

Let's create one last example using the two-layer explanation approach:

Example 3:

Plot Hole 1: In a sci-fi setting, a spaceship's hyperdrive allows it to travel faster than light. Why is this specific hyperdrive technology so advanced compared to others in the universe?

Solution 1: The spaceship's hyperdrive is powered by a rare crystalline substance called Quantaflux, which can harness energy from alternate dimensions, enabling faster-than-light travel.

This raises another question:

Plot Hole 2: Why is Quantaflux so rare, and how did it come to be associated with faster-than-light travel?

Solution 2: Quantaflux is a natural occurrence in the remnants of ancient star systems that went through cataclysmic events. Its unique properties were discovered by a brilliant scientist who found a way to extract and stabilize it for practical use in hyperdrives.

Repeat after me now: yet another inquiry:

Plot Hole 3: Who was the scientist that discovered Quantaflux, and why did they devote their life to this groundbreaking research?

Solution 3: The scientist, Dr. Nira Yelensky, had a personal connection to a tragic event involving a failed faster-than-light experiment that claimed the lives of her closest friends. Her quest for understanding and redemption led her to discover Quantaflux and develop a safer and more efficient hyperdrive technology.

I love the two-layer explanation as it not only helps address the initial plot holes but also provide a backstory for your stories and can help introduce compelling characters whose motivations add depth to the narrative. This two-layer approach allows for a nuanced and interconnected world-building without requiring exhaustive details on every aspect.

My question to you is: what is your favorite worldbuilding advice and how have you implemented the advice into your story or worldbuilding world?

Let me know your answers in the comments below!

Happy worldbuilding!

—Bair✍︎

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