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 ...
- 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.
Use setting to improve your backstory. One way to improve your backstory is to use setting to help bring the character to life. First, let’s review for a moment what elements usually make up setting: Location: This could be broad, like a region or city, or specific, such as a house or a room. Time: This could be the time period, like in ...
Jan 9, 2024 · A character backstory is the history or background created for a story’s character, explaining their life leading up to the events in the current narrative. It includes vital details like their character origin , family, upbringing, education, and key experiences that shaped them, providing a solid narrative foundation that contributes to their personality and behavior within the story.
1. Only insert backstory where it’s relevant. Backstory should always be triggered by something that’s happening in the story present. Think about how your memories pop up in your own life. They are usually triggered by something you see, hear, feel, etc. For example, say you see a car that reminds you of the one your mom used to drive.
People also ask
Why is a backstory important in a story?
What makes a good backstory?
Why is a character backstory important?
Why are backstory elements important?
Why should you fill in a character's backstory?
How can i Improve my backstory?
Backstory is a fundamental narrative technique that refers to the events and experiences that shape a character’s life before the main story begins. It’s essentially the background information that adds depth and context to characters and settings, providing a richer understanding of the present narrative. Why backstory matters
