In fiction, inanimate objects are more than props. Many become vessels of meaning, or catalysts for change, and sometimes, characters in their own right. From ancient myths to contemporary novels and films, these objects shape stories and reveal truths about humanity.
Classic works like The Lord of the Rings, use the Ring as a symbol of power and corruption, while The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transforms a wardrobe into a portal for adventure. But modern fiction continues this tradition with fresh creativity.
Contemporary fantasy abounds with powerful objects. In A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria E. Schwab, magical artifacts called “bones” allows characters to travel between versions of the city of London. Each with its own rules and dangers. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros features relics that shape destinies and test loyalties. Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians introduces a magical bag of sand with a mind of its own, while The Black Prism by Brent Weeks centers on a sentient knife that manipulates its wielder.
Modern stories often give objects a life of their own. In The Neverending Story, a magical book writes itself as the protagonist reads, blurring the line between reader and character. In House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas, enchanted objects drive the plot and deepen the world-building. These items are not just tools. They’re companions, antagonists, and mirrors for the characters’ inner lives.
Cinema also harnesses the power of objects. In Toy Story, toys come alive, exploring themes of friendship and identity. Cast Away turns a volleyball named Wilson into a symbol of hope and loss. In Pulp Fiction, a gold watch becomes a motif for legacy and sacrifice, driving the protagonist’s choices.
Some authors are known to use inanimate objects they own or have seen to inspire them to write the stories they create. André Breton, the surrealist founder was inspired by a “slipper spoon” found at a flea market, seeing it as a “dream object” holding subconscious power.
In his dedication for Sourcery, Terry Pratchett wrote: Many years ago I saw, in Bath, a very large American lady towing a huge tartan suitcase very fast on little rattly wheels which caught in the pavement cracks and generally gave it a life of its own. At that moment the Luggage was born…
For me personally two objects have inspired the books I’ve written. The first was a stuffed teddy bear I found at goodwill. It was scruffy, with one stubby arm in a sling, and well-worn which to me meant it had been loved. Abandoned by an owner who outgrew the comfort it once provided, or maybe it served as a reminder of something far more sobering and wound up at goodwill as a result. That’s the way my mind works.
When I saw it, I immediately flashed on an image of an abandoned teddy bear sitting forgotten amidst the rubble of world that has moved on. This served as the inspiration for a short story that grew to become a book that insisted it should be a series. Thus, This Lawless Land was born. I’m currently 50,000 words into book six, the final installment. Lair of the Broken Queen. If everything pans out as I hope it will, the complete series will become available towards the end of this year.
This is an image the bear as I was setting up the photos for the cover of Legion of the Damned. Since then I’ve learned to let other, more capable people create my covers.
The bunny I used in Cursed, released in 2020 was inspired by the stuffed bunnies Wal-Mart was selling for Easter one year. This bunny serves as a vessel for the love of Christine’s father who died in Iraq. Earned at a roadside carnival several days before he shipped out. If you want to know the full story, you’ll have to read the book.
Another character in the story, Sheriff Paul Odenton, will return in a loose sequel due out later this year. I don’t have the final title yet but will let you know when I do. I will also be interviewing Sheriff Odenton this Friday, so check back then, and don’t forget this Wednesday I’ll be updating my current ongoing story I AM.
In my newsletter, this month I shared a chapter from my work in progress, Bitter Hollow, my first foray into a first-person narrative. Next month I will be sending out the short story Covenant, based on promises made, and promises remembered.
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Richard Schiver 