Skip to main content
Worldbuilding

Return to Question

Added "non-human" to avoid shapeshift ability including other humans.
Source Link
JYelton
JYelton
  • 1k
  • 9
  • 22

I'm working on a story where the main character gains the abilities of a shapeshifter. In this case, defined as a human who can become any non-human animal, indistinguishable from the real thing, and retain his/her mental state.

Part of the story revolves around the character having to decide whether to share information about the ability with friends and family. Perhaps a situation where the ability must be explained or the character risks losing a love interest.

What are the possible larger outcomes if the secret leaks?

I've already considered the following:

  • Scientists and doctors wanting to perform examinations to understand how the ability works.
  • Government wanting to capture and keep the subject hidden, for study and possible exploitation.
  • Religious organizations declaring varying stories ranging from the protagonist being god-like and revered, to evil and requiring destruction.
  • The HBO television series "True Blood" hints that there might be groups of people who view shapeshifters as a threat and seek to kill them.

I'm interested in some plausible, realistic consequences of public knowledge of the existence of a bona fide shapeshifter.

I'm working on a story where the main character gains the abilities of a shapeshifter. In this case, defined as a human who can become any animal, indistinguishable from the real thing, and retain his/her mental state.

Part of the story revolves around the character having to decide whether to share information about the ability with friends and family. Perhaps a situation where the ability must be explained or the character risks losing a love interest.

What are the possible larger outcomes if the secret leaks?

I've already considered the following:

  • Scientists and doctors wanting to perform examinations to understand how the ability works.
  • Government wanting to capture and keep the subject hidden, for study and possible exploitation.
  • Religious organizations declaring varying stories ranging from the protagonist being god-like and revered, to evil and requiring destruction.
  • The HBO television series "True Blood" hints that there might be groups of people who view shapeshifters as a threat and seek to kill them.

I'm interested in some plausible, realistic consequences of public knowledge of the existence of a bona fide shapeshifter.

I'm working on a story where the main character gains the abilities of a shapeshifter. In this case, defined as a human who can become any non-human animal, indistinguishable from the real thing, and retain his/her mental state.

Part of the story revolves around the character having to decide whether to share information about the ability with friends and family. Perhaps a situation where the ability must be explained or the character risks losing a love interest.

What are the possible larger outcomes if the secret leaks?

I've already considered the following:

  • Scientists and doctors wanting to perform examinations to understand how the ability works.
  • Government wanting to capture and keep the subject hidden, for study and possible exploitation.
  • Religious organizations declaring varying stories ranging from the protagonist being god-like and revered, to evil and requiring destruction.
  • The HBO television series "True Blood" hints that there might be groups of people who view shapeshifters as a threat and seek to kill them.

I'm interested in some plausible, realistic consequences of public knowledge of the existence of a bona fide shapeshifter.

Source Link
JYelton
JYelton
  • 1k
  • 9
  • 22

What would be some realistic social reactions to a shapeshifter?

I'm working on a story where the main character gains the abilities of a shapeshifter. In this case, defined as a human who can become any animal, indistinguishable from the real thing, and retain his/her mental state.

Part of the story revolves around the character having to decide whether to share information about the ability with friends and family. Perhaps a situation where the ability must be explained or the character risks losing a love interest.

What are the possible larger outcomes if the secret leaks?

I've already considered the following:

  • Scientists and doctors wanting to perform examinations to understand how the ability works.
  • Government wanting to capture and keep the subject hidden, for study and possible exploitation.
  • Religious organizations declaring varying stories ranging from the protagonist being god-like and revered, to evil and requiring destruction.
  • The HBO television series "True Blood" hints that there might be groups of people who view shapeshifters as a threat and seek to kill them.

I'm interested in some plausible, realistic consequences of public knowledge of the existence of a bona fide shapeshifter.