Effectively creating a back story or backstory for a character involves several steps. First, determine the character's goals and how their past can influence these goals. For example, if a character wants to be rich, perhaps their family was always in debt in the past. Second, think about how their past experiences have shaped their personality. If they were bullied as a child, they might be shy or have a short temper. Third, consider the events that led them to where they are in the story. A character who moved a lot as a child might have a hard time forming deep relationships as an adult.
To create an effective back story for a character, start with their basic details like where they were born, their family situation. For example, if a character was born in a small, poor village, it might shape their values. Then, think about major events in their past, like if they had an accident that left them with a fear. Also, consider their relationships. If they had a best friend who betrayed them, it would affect their trust in others.
One way is to start with their family. Think about where they come from, their parents' occupations, and how their family influenced them. For example, if a character's parents were artists, it might influence their own creativity. Another aspect is their past experiences, like if they had a near - death experience that made them more cautious.
One way to create an effective backstory is to make it complex but not convoluted. It should have layers. For instance, a character's backstory could involve a family secret that has multiple aspects to it. This family secret could be related to their financial situation, their relationships, and their self - esteem. Also, use the backstory to create conflict. If a character's backstory includes a feud with another family, it can fuel the conflict in the main story.
Start by thinking about the character's early life, their family, and significant events that shaped them. Also consider their motivations and fears.
One way is to break it into different life stages. For example, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This helps in organizing the story and making it more understandable.
To create a tantalizing back story, start with an interesting event or situation from the past. For instance, a lost love or a near - death experience. Then, gradually reveal details that connect it to the present.
If you're having trouble getting back into the story, try to put yourself in the shoes of the characters. Recall their motives, desires, and fears. Also, look for any recurring symbols or motifs in the story. These elements can act as anchors that draw you back into the story's world. For instance, if there's a special object that keeps showing up in the story, focusing on it can help you re - engage with the plot and effectively go back to the story.
One way is to identify the key elements in the disjointed back story. Look for common themes, like a repeated location or a particular relationship. Then, start to build connections between these elements. For example, if the character has had different jobs in different places but there's a mention of always wanting to help people, you can use that as a thread to tie the jobs together, showing how each job was an attempt to fulfill that desire.
First, think about the character's goals. What do they want? It could be something big like saving the world or small like getting a pet. Then, consider their past experiences that led to these goals. Maybe they had a tough childhood which made them want to create a better life for others. Also, family and friends play a role. Were they supported or abandoned? These elements can build a rich back story.
You can start by sprinkling bits of the backstory throughout the main narrative. Don't dump it all at once; make it gradual and relevant to the current events.
Sort of. In casual writing or speech, either might be understood. However, in formal writing, especially in the context of professional storytelling like in novels or screenplays, 'backstory' is preferred. Because it is more concise and has become the standard in the industry. 'Back story' may seem a bit more like a phrase that is not as refined, but it can still get the point across if you use it.