How to Create an Original Monster
Bad Monster VS Good Monster
The appearance of the monster most of the time depends on what role it plays. (Most of the time means not always.). So, the first question you have to consider is, What is the monster’s role in the story?
With this question, we will start our article.
Planning Physical Appearance.
There are four things you have to take in consideration while making a monster. These foundational aspects influence the monster’s overall appearance, atmosphere, and role within your story. These factors will significantly impact the monster’s overall impression and how it’s perceived by readers.
Basic Shape: Humanoid, animalistic, or something entirely new?
Size: How big or small is it?
Distinctive Features: What makes it unique? Horns, wings, multiple eyes, unusual skin texture?
Inspiration: What are the sources you want to take inspiration from? Different fictions, nature, movies, or mythology?
Any of these elements can give your monster a different vibe. And what type of vibe you want from the monster determines what shapes, sizes, etc. you use.
If you use an animalistic and small sized monster with fur and big eyes, what vibe will you get? Cute, right. Now, if you use a humanoid monster with sharp claws and glowing eyes, what vibe will you get? fear and dread.
Buffs and Weaknesses
Two question-
- What makes it dangerous?
- What are its vulnerabilities?
Like real life beasts, the monster in fiction should have certain buffs and weaknesses. Firstly, what makes it dangerous or strong? Physical strength, intelligence, magic, or other abilities? And what makes the monster vulnerable? It could be a specific element, a sound, or even a psychological flaw.
( But it’s a generalization. It’s not always true. But for beginner, these are the things you have to remember )
Backstory
The backstory of a monster does not have to be deep. But there are two things that can make the monster more in line with the story:
- Where did it come from?
- How did it evolve?
Every monster must come from somewhere. It has to be found somewhere. It may be in a forest, dungeon, or even in the city. It makes the monster somewhat special.
And the second question is on you. It’s a tricky question. Does evolve mean how the monster came to be? How was it born? Or, how did it evolve from a normal thing to a monster? So, if you describe any of these, its evolving history.
Name
Choosing the perfect name for your monster can be as challenging as creating the creature itself. We always find it hard to name anything. We think so much while naming anything. So, how do you name your monster?
These are some ideas you can follow-
Descriptive Names: Focus on the monster’s appearance, abilities, or behavior.
- Examples: Shadowstalker, Flamemaw, Iceheart
Symbolic Names: Consider the monster’s role in the story or what it represents.
- Examples: Abyss, Devourer, Nightmare
Latin or Greek Roots: For a more imposing or mysterious name.
- Examples: Leviathan, Behemoth, Gorgoneus
Place-Based Names: Draw inspiration from the monster’s habitat or where it was discovered.
- Examples: Cavern Crawler, Desert Wraith
Mythological References: Use names from existing mythologies or folklore as a starting point.
- Examples: Kraken, Cerberus, Banshee
The key to creating a memorable monster is to make it believable within the world you’ve created. By carefully considering its role, appearance, abilities, and backstory, you can develop a truly terrifying or fascinating monster.
