How do i write a character who just got wings and getting used to them
How to write a character who just got wings
The extent on what happens depends on the span of the wings and if they can retract them. Some general ideas you can build on are:
1. Physical Sensations and Adjustment
Immediate sensations:
Weight or shift in balance, large wings pull the center of gravity backward.
Muscle soreness in the back/shoulders, especially along new muscle groups.
Hyper-awareness of the wings brushing against objects or catching air.
Itchiness or sensitivity if the wings "grew" recently.
Movement challenges:
Misjudging the wingspan and knocking things over.
Falling backwards because of the weight.
Learning how to fold them, awkward, slow, maybe painful at first.
Retraction (if possible) could feel like tensing very deep muscles or like closing a fist behind your back.
2. Clothing and Practical Issues
Clothing must be modified with slits, stretchy backs, or specialized harnesses. Jackets especially are a pain in the ass.
Backpacks don't really work anymore.
Sleeping becomes complicated, lying flat may be impossible.
Washing and grooming: preening feathers, drying membranes, accidental shedding, etc. maybe they need someone else to help them with this.
3. Emotional and Psychological Reactions
Internal:
Awe, excitement, disbelief, fear, claustrophobia (from a suddenly bigger body).
Feeling "larger than life" or feeling like a burden/monster depending on tone.
Social:
Depends on the worldbuilding and if this is a normal occurrence or not.
People stare, doors are narrower than they remembered, chairs become inpractible
Friends may react with fascination, jealousy, fear, or awkwardness.
4. Sensory Changes
Wings have nerves. Touch may be pleasant, ticklish, or painful.
Wind sensitivity, your character can feel air currents like a sixth sense.
Temperature issues: feathers insulate, membrane wings may get cold easily.
5. Learning to Use the Wings
Pre-flight:
Figuring out how to flare, beat, and angle them.
Overworking the muscles, leading to cramps.
Instinct vs. trial-and-error, do they feel intuitive or alien to the character?
First attempts at flight:
Running starts, panic flapping, short glides, messy crash landings.
Realizing flight requires technique (lifting angle, timing, wing power), not just force.
6. Realistic Physical Consequences of Flight
Flight demands big caloric intake, your character may become constantly hungry.
Stronger chest/back muscles develop, posture shifts.
Calluses or pads on feet if landing involves impact.
7. Daily Life & Worldbuilding
Will buildings accommodate large-winged beings?
Are wings common or unique? Does society have norms (wing etiquette)?
How does weather matter? Rain makes feathers heavy, wind can blow them sideways.
Also: If Wings Are Retractable
Retraction might feel like compressing or tucking away something huge, which may cause soreness or a sense of phantom wings when retracted.
Retraction could consume energy or rely on magic/technology.
There may be a risk of malfunction or partial transformation.
Retracting them can mess with the feathers, needing support to care for them when opened up again.
Hope this helps!
- Jana
