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 through dialogue.

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

 Backstory through expression.

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.

 Backstory through quirks.

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.)

 Backstory through props.

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.

 How do you write back story?

ASSIGNMENT: Your next writing project, map out how you will release small amounts of backstory.