Law #32: Play to People’s Fantasies — A Writer's Guide

The thirty-second law in The 48 Laws of Power, "Play to people’s fantasies," underscores the universal human desire for escape, wonder, and idealism. For writers, this principle is foundational. Your stories are the fantasies readers dive into, the worlds they escape to, and the emotions they long to experience. Mastering this law means not only captivating your audience but also understanding and delivering what they deeply crave.

Here’s how to ethically and effectively apply this law to your writing career.

Understanding Your Audience’s Fantasies

To play to people’s fantasies, you must first know what they are. Every audience has dreams, fears, and desires that shape their engagement with stories.

1. Identify Core Desires:

• Understand what drives your target audience emotionally.

• Example: Romance readers often seek stories of love conquering all, while thriller fans crave the rush of danger and resolution.

• Application: Research your genre’s typical audience and the themes that resonate most with them.

2. Tap into Universal Fantasies:

• Themes like triumph over adversity, forbidden love, or the allure of power are universally compelling.

• Example: J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings taps into the fantasy of heroism and the struggle between good and evil.

• Application: Incorporate timeless themes into your work, weaving them into unique settings and characters.

3. Tailor to Specific Groups:

• Different demographics have distinct fantasies and expectations.

• Example: Young adult readers often seek stories about identity and self-discovery, while adult readers may lean toward stories with deeper existential themes.

• Application: Adjust your storytelling to align with the fantasies of your intended audience.

Crafting Fantastical Worlds and Characters

Creating immersive worlds and relatable characters is key to making your audience’s fantasies feel real and attainable.

1. Build Escapist Worlds:

• Construct settings that transport readers to another reality.

• Example: J.K. Rowling’s richly detailed Hogwarts captivated millions with its magical allure.

• Application: Use vivid descriptions and consistent worldbuilding to create environments that feel alive and immersive.

2. Write Larger-Than-Life Characters:

• Characters who embody ideals or struggle with extraordinary circumstances become aspirational figures for readers.

• Example: Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby reflects both the allure and the fragility of fantasy.

• Application: Develop characters with qualities or flaws that tap into readers’ aspirations and insecurities.

3. Provide Emotional Payoff:

• Readers seek catharsis, whether it’s triumph, heartbreak, or transformation.

• Example: The bittersweet ending of La La Land satisfies by staying true to the characters’ dreams and choices.

• Application: Deliver endings that align with your story’s emotional promise, leaving a lasting impact.

Playing to Fantasies in Your Author Brand

Your public persona and how you engage with readers can also evoke a sense of wonder and connection.

1. Create a Persona That Inspires:

• Cultivate a public image that aligns with the themes of your work.

• Example: Neil Gaiman’s whimsical yet wise persona mirrors the tone of his stories, making him an extension of his worlds.

• Application: Align your social media presence, interviews, and public appearances with the spirit of your writing.

2. Engage Through Mystery:

• Keep an air of intrigue about your process or upcoming projects.

• Example: Authors who tease upcoming releases or drop cryptic hints build excitement and curiosity.

• Application: Share just enough to entice your audience without giving everything away.

3. Offer Exclusive Experiences:

• Make your readers feel special by providing behind-the-scenes content or early access.

• Example: Exclusive Patreon content or limited-edition book releases create a sense of privilege and connection.

• Application: Reward loyal readers with perks that make them feel part of something unique.

Tapping into Aspirations and Escapism

Fantasies often stem from what people wish they could experience or achieve in their own lives. Reflecting those aspirations in your work deepens its impact.

1. Explore Forbidden Desires:

• Stories that delve into taboo or unattainable dreams captivate readers by allowing them to explore without consequence.

• Example: E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey played into fantasies of power dynamics and intimacy.

• Application: Consider how your story can safely explore risky or unconventional themes.

2. Highlight Transformation:

• Many fantasies center on personal growth or transformation—rising from humble beginnings to greatness.

• Example: Frodo’s journey from a simple hobbit to a hero in The Lord of the Rings reflects this universal fantasy.

• Application: Craft arcs that allow characters to grow in ways readers can aspire to or empathize with.

3. Provide Escapes from Reality:

• Fantasy isn’t always about magic; it’s about offering relief from the mundane.

• Example: Nicholas Sparks’ romances provide emotional escapism through idyllic settings and dramatic love stories.

• Application: Immerse readers in scenarios that contrast with their daily lives, offering excitement, beauty, or solace.

Avoiding Pitfalls

While playing to fantasies is powerful, it’s important to avoid exploiting or oversaturating your audience.

• Don’t Overpromise:

  • Building up unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.

  • Solution: Be authentic in your marketing and storytelling.

• Avoid Stereotypes:

  • Leaning too heavily on clichés can feel insincere or uninspired.

  • Solution: Add depth and originality to familiar tropes.

• Stay True to Your Vision:

  • Pandering to trends without passion can dilute your voice.

  • Solution: Balance audience expectations with your creative integrity.

Conclusion: The Art of Crafting Fantasies

Law #32, "Play to people’s fantasies," is a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. By understanding your audience’s desires, creating immersive worlds, and crafting aspirational characters, you can captivate readers and build a devoted following. Fantasies are at the heart of why people read—they offer hope, wonder, and the chance to escape. Harness this power, and your stories will leave a lasting impact.

In the next installment of this series, we’ll explore Law #33, "Discover each man’s thumbscrew," and how understanding individual motivations can deepen your storytelling and reader engagement. Stay tuned for more insights into The 48 Laws of Power for writers.