What are J.K. Rowling's retroactive back stories?

Answer 1

J.K. Rowling's retroactive back stories often enrich the Harry Potter universe. For example, the back story of Snape. We later learn about his complex past, his love for Lily Potter which influenced so much of his actions throughout the series. His childhood, his time at Hogwarts as a student, and how he was bullied and his relationship with the Marauders all added layers to his character that we didn't initially know when we first met him in the earlier books.

Answer 2

One of the great retroactive back stories is that of the Hogwarts houses. We learn more about the founders of the houses as the series progresses. For instance, Salazar Slytherin's views on blood purity, which led to his ideas being carried on by some of the more bigoted Slytherins in later generations. This back story helps to explain the rivalries between the houses and the different values that each house was supposed to uphold from the very beginning.

Answer 3

Well, she has retroactive back stories for many characters and elements in the wizarding world. Take the Deathly Hallows. The back story about how these powerful magical objects came to be was revealed later. It was a story that added a whole new dimension to the lore of the wizarding world. It involved the three Peverell brothers and their encounter with Death, which was a very interesting and somewhat dark back story that gave the Hallows more significance and mystery.