Can you imagine that Romania is not merely a setting, but a vital character that breathes life into my published stories included in Transylvania’s History A to Z and Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-word Stories, Folklore and History, but also into my upcoming historical fiction book series? Romania’s mountains and villages, ancient legends and resilient history do more than provide a backdrop—they shape each tale, lending mystery, depth and a sense of timeless resilience.
In the same way a compelling character grows and transforms, Romania’s past and landscape infuse my books with a personality as vivid as any protagonist.
Before I dive into the top five reasons, let’s first unravel what it takes to craft an unforgettable character—and how I did it, how Romania, with all its vibrant spirit and beauty, steps effortlessly into this role.
In a nutshell, how to create engaging book characters:
- Start with an Archetype: Begin with a basic character archetype and add distinct traits.
- Give Them a Backstory: Build a logical, layered background for depth.
- Add Flaws and Quirks: Make them realistic with unique faults and habits.
- Create a Character Arc: Develop a journey where they confront their past and evolve.
- Make Them Memorable: Infuse them with moral qualities and elevate ordinary traits.
- Add Obstacles: Challenge them with escalating conflicts.
- Provide a Premise: Give them a lesson or theme they must discover.
Each step contributes to a fully realized character that resonates with readers.
How I did it: Romania’s Archetype: The Guardian of Time
In the same way that a character starts with an archetype, Romania in my works represents the “Guardian of Time”—a place that simultaneously conceals and opens its ancient past.
Numerous civilizations have met or crossed swords in Romania, including the Dacians and the Vlachs, the Romans and the Ottomans, the Tatars, the Saxons, and many more. Each left a lasting mark on the land, creating a cultural landscape where echoes of history converge forming a distinctive, layered environment. Romania stands as a keeper of memories, where every region and tradition adds a chapter to an unbroken tale of time.
Romania is similar to the Guardian archetype in that it recalls, maintains, and protects. Its steep mountains, thick forests and winding rivers still hide mysteries that wait to be revealed to those who are ready to hear and understand them. This iconic position immerses the reader in a universe where Romania is more than just a setting; rather, it is an entity that has an unsaid promise to gradually and deliberately reveal the echoes of its history.
Romania’s Backstory: a Land Etched in Stone, Forged by Conflict and Faith
Every memorable character has a fascinating backstory and Romania’s is centuries old, built on faith and strengthened by adversity. Despite their valiant efforts to defend their territories, the Dacians were eventually assimilated into the Roman Empire. Romanian soil would later be shaped into the complex mosaic it is today by the influences of the Saxons, Ottomans, and Habsburgs.
The terrain itself is given texture by myths blending cultural and the sacred; by the stories of shepherds traversing the highlands; by seasonal folktales, unforgettable tales of forest churches, of Muma Pădurii or Ielele, local cosmogony, spooky spells or apotropaic garlic and, of course, legendary and symbolic Vlad the Impaler.
The history of Romania is packed with battles for independence, tenacity, and a deep spirituality that continues to be reflected in its Orthodox churches or monasteries and the folk beliefs that dot the countryside. Romania’s historical hardships and victories are inextricably linked to its narratives, be it historical or folkloric, giving this country a depth and personality that are undeniable, shaping the atmosphere of any narrative set within its borders.
Quirks and Flaws of a Well-Worn Soul: Haunted Legends and Superstitions
Romania’s uniqueness shines through: the local belief that wolves sing to a full moon, the “ptiu-ptiu” to ward off the evil eye, the (over)use of garlic for protection, the fortune readings in coffee or melted lead, the spells, the legends that speak of night creatures like the strigoii and moroii, the flickering mountain lights that are said to reveal buried Dacian treasures, etc. are all true (if you choose to believe) gems of folklore.
From regional dialects and local gastronomy to ancient superstitions, every distinctive aspect of Romanian culture adds appeal and drama to the story. Despite their quirkiness, these components also lend a sense of surprise, highlighting Romania’s dual nature as a haunting and nurturing place. They add tension to every story set here, as if one might just turn a corner to find a legend alive before them.
Character Arc: Romania’s Journey of Resilience and Rebirth
Romania’s past—threatened by invasions, religious disputes, and political unrest—has influenced its character arc.
Romania has withstood centuries of invasions, political upheavals, and cultural mingling, but it has always come out on top. It has persevered despite hardship, finding strength in its cultural legacy and its people’s ties to the country, after enduring Ottoman invasions, Austro-Hungarian domination, and Communist tyranny. Every story placed inside its boundaries is influenced by this arc of survival and rebirth, which results in a narrative that is not only about historical occurrences but also about the spirit of a land that adapts, persists, and prospers. Romania changes with every chapter of its history, accepting both continuity and change, much like a character must develop.
Memorability: Romania’s Extraordinary in the Ordinary
With challenges as steep as the mountain tops: Romania’s harsh landscapes and superstitions that combine myth and reality are only two of the challenges that its characters must overcome.
The metaphysical and the physical must be traversed by the characters, whether they are facing an unexplainable force in the highlands or weathering the rocky roads of its historical regions: Banat, Crișana, Maramureș, Transylvania that I wrote about, but also Bucovina, Moldova, Wallachia and Oltenia.
Romania turns the ordinary into the extraordinary: an old shepherd’s path may be the same one that has been traveled for years, or a modest rural church may bear the tale of a sow who discovered a treasure. This instills a timeless element into Romanian daily life, lending a feeling of wonder and weight to even the most mundane events. Romania is shown in each tale as a testing ground for perseverance and transformation, where characters are forced to prove their mettle against challenges as ancient as the land itself. It’s these moments that linger in readers’ minds, making Romania unforgettable.
Obstacles: Conquering Invaders and Defending Identity
As with any strong character, Romania has faced relentless obstacles. Invasions, political oppression, and attempts at cultural erasure have forced Romania to continually defend its identity.
From the days of Dacian warriors to Vlad the Impaler’s fierce stand against Ottoman forces, Romania remained a land that endured, against all odds. Even in modern times, it has struggled to reclaim its voice after decades of Communist rule. These obstacles create a tension in the narrative, an ongoing struggle to safeguard what it holds sacred—its language, its traditions, and its spirit. Romania’s resilience in overcoming these challenges makes it not just a character, but a hero within the stories.
A Premise of Legacy and Belonging
A character’s premise is what they need to learn, and Romania’s story is one of learning to balance preservation with progress. Romania’s folklore, traditions, and historical landmarks hold deep significance, yet it also faces the pressures of modernization and globalization.
The struggle is real: how does a nation keep its heritage alive while adapting to the present? This is the underlying theme that runs through the Romanian tales I write. Romania’s lesson—one of holding onto one’s roots while reaching forward—resonates with readers, reminding them of the importance of heritage in an ever-changing world. Through this premise, Romania becomes not only a setting but a character, with its own journey, challenges, and lessons to share.
Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More than a Setting, It’s a Character in My Books
- A Distinct Archetype with Layered Identity
Romania embodies a unique blend of cultures and histories, from Dacians and Romans to Saxons and Ottomans. It’s more than just a backdrop—it’s an ancient, complex persona with layers of tradition, resilience, and mystery that shape my narratives. - A Storied Past That Echoes in Every Tale
Romania’s rich backstory of folklore, battles, and resilience lends authenticity and intrigue to my stories. Each valley, castle, and village has a history that isn’t just scenery; it’s a living, breathing entity that influences the characters and events within the plot. - Unique Flaws and Quirks
Like a character with memorable quirks, Romania has its unique traits—mist-shrouded mountains, haunting superstitions, and rugged landscapes. These idiosyncrasies bring depth to its portrayal, giving readers a sense of its spirit, from haunting beauty to resilient charm. - A Timeless Character Arc of Transformation
Romania’s journey is one of growth and adaptation through centuries of change. From the medieval era through Communist times to modern revival, Romania’s story arc offers a backdrop of continuous transformation that parallels the personal growth of my characters. - Challenges and Lessons Hidden in the Landscape
Romania’s land is a character with obstacles and mysteries that shape the journeys within my books. The dense forests, towering Carpathians, and fortified monasteries aren’t just obstacles—they’re teachers, leading characters to confront fears, unravel secrets, and discover their strengths.
So, here you have it, Romania isn’t just a setting; it’s a guide, a guardian and a formidable force within my tales.
I think that Writing Romania as a character infuses a story with a tangible, breathing sense of place. It’s not a mere backdrop but an active presence guiding the narrative with a silent but unwavering hand. Romania’s essence seeps into every tale, compelling characters and readers alike to confront the raw beauty, haunting legends, and ancient truths embedded in its very soil.
That is a beautiful ode to Romania, so passionate and so informative, and so true from what I experienced during my trip to Romania. I loved this sentence “In the same way that a character starts with an archetype, Romania in my works represents the “Guardian of Time”—a place that simultaneously conceals and opens its ancient past.” I also loved that the local belief was that wolves sing to a full moon. The howling that wolves and dogs do is like singing. Our little Japanese Chin Ryu loved to howl. He did it every time we came home and we applauded his singing and he looked so proud, like an opera singer.
Your dog’s howl was a lovely and distinctive way to express himself and I like how you described it. “Like an opera singer waiting for applause.” It’s incredible how something as basic as howling can become a means of pride and self-expression. Don’t our dogs really have unique personalities? Your pup greeted you with a brief song, a happy performance that only you and your family could enjoy. Like the Romanian wolves singing to the full moon, they seem to be channeling something old. What a mystical connection we have to them!
Romania is ancient land full of mystery and myth. I’m glad you got to grow up in a place that inspires you. I feel like sometimes we’re missing that based on which state or part of the US we’re from, especially in the dull modern times we now live within. Home truly is where the heart is 🙂