Search results
Feb 19, 2024 · There are several different techniques you can use to convey backstory. Last year, I did a three-part series about backstory techniques. 1. Sharing Backstory With the Backstory Drip. The main one is the one you’re going to want to use in pretty much any story, even if you do choose to use some of the other techniques.
- Things to Consider When Writing A Backstory
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Revealing A Character’S Backstory
- Why Revealing Character Backstories Carefully Is Important
First and foremost, before you get started, your character needs to actually have a backstory. Maybe you’re not like the example above, and you haven’t actually given the backstory much thought. Well, you’re in luck, because I already have an article on the topic: How to Create Compelling Character Backstories. Check that out first and come back to...
There are a lot of ways you can mess up revealing a character’s backstory, so you should take care to avoid some common mistakes. It’s easy to get carried away, but with a little mindful planning, you can keep your story on the right track. To be clear, this isn’t intended to control what you create or how you tell your stories. This advice details...
A character’s backstory is an important part of who they are, and being able to share that with your readers is really valuable if the situation is right. A good and carefully revealed backstory can: 1. Make readers empathize with your characters 2. Invest readers in the storyline 3. Fuel conflict, both within the character and with others 4. Keep ...
Apr 24, 2022 · What is backstory? Backstory is everything that ever happened to a character before the opening page of their story. It's the character history that exists in your (the storyteller's) head. I know that sounds like a "duh, obviously" sort of statement. But what we need to pay attention to most is "before".
1. Link to the past. First, get to the bottom of what kind of person your character is and why they would ever go on the adventure you've laid out for them. Then, once you have an image of that person in your head, ask yourself what events in their past made them become this kind of person. For example, think about Marlon from Finding Nemo.
- Tom Bromley
- Know who your character is in the present. The way your character behaves in the present moment says a lot about their backstory. Often, there is a reason why they act or react to situations the way they do, making a reader wonder about their past.
- Remember that people change. With a firm grip on who your characters are now, you can start to explore who they used to be. While there should be continuity between their past and current selves, having some differences can show they’ve evolved over time.
- Create a turning point. Sometimes, a character’s backstory includes a catalyst that completely alters the course of their life. This event can often provide the key to understanding their actions.
- Reveal information in a strategic way. Maintaining some mystery around your character and who they are can be a great way to build intrigue. Drip feeding them the backstory throughout the book — or even series of books — will keep your audience engaged and speculating about the possibilities.
4 days ago · Key Takeaways on Writing a Character Backstory: Start with Basics: Identify the character’s name, age, race, gender, and profession. Explore Core Values: Determine their values, goals, and motivations, and the experiences that shaped them. Incorporate Conflict: Ensure the backstory includes conflicts or challenges that have shaped the character.
People also ask
Why is backstory important in a story?
How important is a character's backstory?
How do you write a character backstory?
How do you know if a character has a backstory?
How do you write a story based on a backstory?
What happens if you don't have a backstory?
Nov 28, 2023 · Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash Part #2 Start with Present Day. You can’t create a character’s backstory when no one exists right now. If you find yourself struggling to come up with ...
