When creating a society that is reliant upon some sort of established hierarchy, whether that be religion, money, power, or some other contrived rank obtained by an individual there will be inherent discontent between the different groups especially if there are individuals who are unable to move from their current social class for whatever reason. This reason could be limitations to social movement by the government or a reigning entity, or something internal with that person. Either way, when there is a social class above one, there will always be some envy of those from below.

In the society I am creating, there is a strict society based on the internal power people can develop, which reflects in the city’s environment (which has been broken into different zones). A person can move up with more work or through contributions to society to a certain point. Past this point, there is a vast gulf in how the classes live. For instance, your ruling class in a society (the top of your pyramid) will ensure they keep this position, and many may love to show this. This can be through ornate living arrangements, over-consumerism, special treatment by the law, and being able to do what they want whenever they want, etc. This seems like a pretty good deal for those on the outside looking in, right? Well, to make it more interesting for everyone to read about a social structure that is nearly rigid in its upward (and subsequent downward) mobility, there could be a split in the ruling class that those in lower social classes are not aware of- for instance- each ruling family has a dedicated official that helps with managing their estates. This person may be put in finery like those of the ruling class, may live with the ruling class, work with them, and be able to come and go as they please from the ruling estates, but they are inherently not- behind the scenes they are little more than just another piece of property. This makes it a more complex structure your characters can navigate through in their adventures within this society, with hidden truths and perhaps a mystery to solve- why are they treated this way? Could there be more to the power that this ruling class has? To make it even more compelling, the advisors could have more power than those in the ruling class, but the rulers have something that keeps the advisors in line.

When you have this resource shortage, and see these individuals living the “high life” from your knowledge, would you immediately hate them? Would you feel sympathetic to them? If you uncovered the truth, would it change your views? Or would you stick with most people’s opinions, that these “advisors” were taking advantage of your environment to secure a higher societal position? If something wasn’t what you expected, could you accept the truth? All of these are great questions for your characters to ask as they delve deeper into these issues.

While the rest of your pyramid is not knowledgeable of the horrors that these people face, would these “advisors” become jaded? Would they hate both the ordinary people and the ruling class? What would make them keep hold of their morality when shunned by those above them in the hierarchy and those below?

This dichotomy between a person’s perceived reality and what is truly occurring is an exciting plot point that I will explore more in my next novel. Special attention will be placed on determining what can move a heart that has been hardened by mistreatment.

Talk to you all next week!