(Originally posted on June 9, 2014.)
Alice in Wonderland
One thing I’ve seen brought up a lot when it comes to adventure fantasy is: what and when do the characters eat? Oddly enough, you don’t see meals that often and the heroes never go hungry unless it’s essential to the plot. Starvation and hunting are very useful plot points to show how difficult it is to survive in the wild. Yet, it’s almost a passing thought and you don’t see it delved into.
In a series that I’m still reading through, Ranger’s Apprentice, there are several times where the characters talk over coffee. I use something similar where meals are the backdrop for important meetings. I can never say my heroes go hungry unless Luke does his thing that can burn through most of his caloric intake. There are points where I think I overuse the setting, but it does make sense. Preparing or in the middle of an adventure, the break you take to talk is a time to eat too. Not much different from the real world. We celebrate events with food, have food at meetings, and even give away some food as prizes or thank yous. You do get a cookie for giving blood, right?
Personally, I see food in fiction as another window into the world. If your story is on Earth then you can look up real dishes that relate to your characters’ cultures and locations. If your story is another world then you can go wild. A fish that’s as spicy as a ghost pepper? Apples that can satisfy you for an entire day? Everyone living creature (and unliving) eat something, so it’s an area that is worthwhile investigating. The scenes where they come up can be used for character development too. For example, Nyx loves spicy food and Sari isn’t too big a fan of seafood.
So, what do other people think of food or eating being included in stories?
Legends of Windemere 
When I think of food in fiction, I think of Miyazaki’s films, because the characters eat a lot! 😊 I love those scenes. Even tea pouring is interesting! I generally mention food in stories, because I have a lot of families conversing over the table. Whenever my characters travel, they eat somewhere, especially if they stay in an inn.
LikeLike
I wonder if there’s a reason Miyazaki does so many food scenes. They always look good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are articles and videos online about why he does it. An overview mentioned that he wanted to create warmth and nostalgia. He definitely succeeds at both.
LikeLike
Makes sense.
LikeLike
I think the reader can relate better if the characters have a life that includes having to eat. What they are eating can be fun to create, too.
LikeLike
True. Food is relatable.
LikeLike
Foods for me are an essential component of world building. People have a lot of background in foods and where they come from, so if you mention people eating bananas, it conjures the whole tropical environment where bananas are found.
As you mention, the atmosphere around a meal can reveal a lot. Not only information exchanges, but in my most recent WIP the young characters were at very tense and regimented family meals that showed how controlled they were by their dominating father.
LikeLike
Good point on meals showing family dynamics. I wonder if having bananas appear in a non-tropical setting would also reveal that there’s trading between nations.
LikeLike
Definitely, and with our knowledge that bananas go bad very quickly, it implies a short trade route (or perhaps magic to preserve the fruit).
LikeLike
I’d go with magic personally. Especially for avocados and pears where they’re ripe for 5 minutes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to include food in my books, mainly because I often wonder what characters do if there is no mention of them eating. I’ve been asked for recipes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never thought of people wondering about the characters not eating. Figured that would be a given.
LikeLiked by 1 person