To avoid or not avoid: The Backstory
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To avoid or not avoid: The Backstory
We writers must decide the age and life milestones the main characters have to face. Now some experts say that a strong character does NOT have a backstory or heavy amounts of flashbacks to achieve his ultimate goals. Others say backstories are necessary to give an option of motivation.
What do you guys think about the backstory requirement?
If you think it can/must be part of a story, how much of the "past" do you include? What are your deciding factors?
If you believe backstories should be eliminated, how do you think of "motivation" factors to drive characters into action?
Thanks for your thoughts in advance
- Sally_Heart
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The plot for my next story, however, will not require a full backstory as the focal point of the character's journey is present-day. The few tidbits of information that will be necessary to get an understanding of her history will be better told in conversation with a supporting character.
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For main characters, I don't avoid them, but also don't include any more than is needed.
- DATo
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@Brandi NoelleBrandi Noelle wrote:I think this depends completely on what the individual plot is and whether it requires a backstory to properly enhance it. I have just finished a novella about feminism that focused on a woman who had been raised by a trio of strong feminists. In order to fully illustrate their personal passion for this cause, I spent one chapter per person traveling back in time and showing them in their own historic battles. From a suffragist to a Rosie the Riveter, I felt this was a more colorful way to tell their story, rather than through a second-person account from the main character.
The plot for my next story, however, will not require a full backstory as the focal point of the character's journey is present-day. The few tidbits of information that will be necessary to get an understanding of her history will be better told in conversation with a supporting character.
The description of your story reminds me a lot of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club. If you are familiar with it you will know that in this novel most of the book is devoted to backstories for the same reason you used them and it worked beautifully.
― Steven Wright
- Brandi Noelle
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I have not read “The Joy Luck Club” in ages, but yes, very similar concept. I think the need for a backstory is circumstantial based on the plot line.DATo wrote: @Brandi Noelle
The description of your story reminds me a lot of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club. If you are familiar with it you will know that in this novel most of the book is devoted to backstories for the same reason you used them and it worked beautifully.
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Absolutely. We tend to get so caught up in rules for writing that we forget that they're guidlines. If the story calls for it, write a backstory, and write it well. Your readers will appreciate it.Brandi Noelle wrote: I have not read “The Joy Luck Club” in ages, but yes, very similar concept. I think the need for a backstory is circumstantial based on the plot line.
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This is how I view it as I write. I don't like to limit myself so instead of seeing it as a cumbersome device, I make it into a helpful one.
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