what is a backstory?​

A backstory is the background history of a character or the events that lie in the past that inform the context of the current narrative or situation. In storytelling, whether it be in literature, film, theatre, or video games, a character's backstory includes the experiences and events that have shaped their personality, motivations, and their current actions or behaviors. A well-crafted backstory adds depth and dimension to characters, making them more relatable, complex, and authentic to the audience.

Backstories may not always be fully disclosed within the main narrative, but they influence how characters behave and react to different situations. For example, a character may have a fear of water, and through their backstory, we might learn this is because they experienced a traumatic event involving water when they were younger. This detail helps audiences understand the character's motivations and might help explain their actions within the story.

Extra: Understanding the concept of backstories is essential for deeper engagement with various forms of storytelling. When an author or creator develops a character, they often think about the character's history - what their childhood was like, what major life events they went through, who their friends and enemies were, and any other formative experiences. Sometimes these details are revealed to the audience or reader, other times they're kept as part of the creative process to ensure the character behaves consistently.

In a school setting, when analyzing literature or other media, students are often asked to think about a character's backstory and how it might influence the plot or themes of the work. Further, when creating their stories, students are encouraged to think about backstories for their characters to create more depth and believability.

Backstories aren't limited to just character development; they can also refer to the history of a fictional world or setting. For instance, in fantasy or science fiction, the backstory might include the history of the world where the story is set, including past wars, significant political events, or cultural shifts that have shaped the current state of the world in the narrative. Understanding these backstories can greatly enhance the immersion and the narrative's impact on its audience.