Episode 313: The Economy of Boots - Wealth and Poverty in Speculative Fiction

Economic status is a major consideration in both world building and characterisation, and that's before you consider the fact that SFF is often concerned with confronting the reader with real world problems disguised as speculative fiction. This week, the dragons take a look at wealth versus poverty when it comes to creating a world and developing characters. From Terry Pratchett's Vimes' Economy of Boots to Trudi Canavan's Black Magician - where the being able to afford access to your own magic is a sign of wealth and status - to the difference between being a Malfoy and a Weasley  at wizarding school, Jules and Madeleine have got you covered.

 

Title music: Ecstasy by Smiling Cynic