Setting a Story

How does setting influence story?

I’m often asked this one, and often reply, minimally, moderately, and also, as if it were another character in the story. In other words, stetting can be something that is simply there, in the background, familiar and therefore, needs little to no explanation. But also, on occasion, like one of my stories, A BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY, ostensibly a who-done-it, the story is set on Mars.

Therefore, there is no getting away from it. Setting is key, and plays a large and important part in how the story is not only told, but how the characters will behave and or react.

How do you deal with setting, and do you mix it up on occasion or play it safe?