Backstory

A backstory (also back-story or back story) is the history behind the situation that’s current at the start of the main story. Backstory is used to lend the main story depth or the appearance of reality. A backstory may include the history of characters, objects, countries, or other elements of the main story. It can be revealed in flashback, dialogue, or exposition. Scatter the information through the story as it’s needed. Don’t tell the whole story at once.

Avoid using backstory in the opening scene. Let the reader wonder for a little while. Drop hints to generate interest, but don’t stop the action to give explanations.

Backstories are usually revealed in small bits as needed as the story progresses. Sometimes the writer creates an involved backstory for herself but only uses a small part in the story. A notable exception is George Lucas, who made three movies out of backstory. After he wrote the original Star Wars movies, he went back to explain where the characters came from. The backstory became The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith,