BACKSTORY: THE REAL DEAL
There is much debate about the usage of backstory. If a writer employs too much, it will put the
reader into a light slumber. Not enough
will leave the reader perplexed. So,
what’s a writer to do when a character’s past needs to be explained? How can a writer convey why the protagonist
is fearful or delighted about a particular item or event?
Backstory is a way to explain your characters’ history. Simple as that. The problem is telling too much at one time
and overloading the reader with information they may not care to know or
remember.
Camy Tang writes in her blog, (http://storysensei.blogspot.com/2005/08/how-to-write-backstory-without-putting.html)
How to write backstory without putting your Reader to Sleep. She notes, “When opening a novel, your reader
cares more about what’s going on right now than what happened in the past.”
The key is to tell backstory in dribbles. This is less disruptive to the reader and
allows them to remain engaged with the story’s present. Here are a few ways to tell backstory in an unobtrusive
manner:
Backstory can be filtered into the conversation your
characters are having with one another.
In the midst of laughter, one character tells the other, a passer-by
looks just like his son before he got disfigured in a car accident. Now this divulges how the son’s face became damaged
Your character’s mother often squint her face in
laughter due to a stroke. This not only
allows you to give a description of the mother’s present mannerisms, you’re
also able to give subtle hints as to how she was before the mishap.
Your protagonist is an upright citizen and pillar in
the community. However, his shady
dealings as a youngster, still has him looking over his shoulder whenever he
hears police sirens going by. (eHow
video: “How to write a Backstory,” http://www.ehow.com/video_4983726_write-back-story.html.)
Backstory
through events.
If there is a reoccurring event in your story, use
backstory to show its importance. Think
of the movies, “Halloween,” and, “I know what you did Last Summer.” (“Back
Story,” by Robert B. Parker. Available
at Amazon.com in hardcopy, paper, and CD.)
If a photograph has significant meaning in your
story, by all means, use it as a vehicle to some of your backstory. Did a character take a picture that places
him at a specific time? Is there someone
in the background of the photo that gives clarity to solving a mystery?
Certain accomplished writers use an entire chapter
to write backstory. This method is not
recommended for fledgling writers; however, the good news is, you will find
your niche. What works wonders for one
writer may feel inept for another.
Remember to tell backstory on a need-to-know basis. Don’t give too much too soon. Readers love a good suspense when it involves
unfolding revelations of characters.
ASSIGNMENT:
Your next writing project, map out how you will release small amounts of backstory.
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