2.3 Character backstory
8 min read•august 20, 2024
Character backstory is the foundation of compelling storytelling. It shapes a character's motivations, fears, and actions throughout the narrative. Understanding a character's origins, personality traits, and key life events helps create depth and authenticity.
Exploring a character's backstory allows writers to craft believable arcs and meaningful transformations. By revealing hidden aspects of their past and unresolved conflicts, writers can create intrigue and drive the plot forward. Balancing backstory with the present narrative enhances character development and audience engagement.
Origins of the character
- Understanding a character's origins is essential for creating a well-rounded and believable protagonist or antagonist in a screenplay
- The birthplace, family dynamics, and formative experiences shape the character's worldview, motivations, and behavior throughout the story
Birthplace and family
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1960s: Erikson – Parenting and Family Diversity Issues View original
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The Web of Cultural Identity: How we are who we are View original
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1960s: Erikson – Parenting and Family Diversity Issues View original
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- The character's place of birth can influence their cultural identity, values, and beliefs
- Growing up in a small, rural town vs. a bustling metropolis can lead to different perspectives and challenges
- Family structure and relationships play a crucial role in shaping the character's emotional development
- A supportive, loving family can provide a strong foundation, while a dysfunctional or abusive family can create deep-seated issues
- The character's position within the family (eldest child, middle child, only child) can affect their sense of responsibility, independence, and desire for attention
Formative experiences
- Key events or moments during the character's childhood and adolescence can have a lasting impact on their personality and choices
- A traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one or a life-threatening experience, can alter the character's outlook and coping mechanisms
- Positive experiences, like a mentorship or a significant achievement, can boost the character's confidence and ambition
- Formative experiences often serve as the foundation for the character's core beliefs, fears, and motivations
Cultural and socioeconomic background
- The character's cultural heritage can shape their values, traditions, and expectations
- Growing up in a tight-knit immigrant community can lead to a strong sense of identity and loyalty
- Navigating between two cultures can create internal conflicts and a search for belonging
- Socioeconomic status can determine the character's access to resources, education, and opportunities
- Coming from a wealthy background can provide advantages but also create pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle
- Growing up in poverty can lead to resourcefulness and resilience but also feelings of inadequacy or resentment
Personality traits
- A character's personality traits are the building blocks of their behavior, decision-making, and interactions with others
- Establishing clear strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and fears helps create a multi-dimensional character that the audience can relate to and invest in
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strengths are the positive attributes that help the character overcome obstacles and achieve their goals
- Intelligence, creativity, empathy, and determination are examples of strengths that can drive the character's actions
- Weaknesses are the flaws or limitations that hinder the character's progress or create internal struggles
- Impulsiveness, self-doubt, stubbornness, and fear of failure can lead to setbacks and conflicts
- The interplay between strengths and weaknesses creates a dynamic and realistic
Motivations and goals
- Motivations are the underlying reasons behind the character's actions and decisions
- A desire for justice, a need for acceptance, or a quest for self-discovery can fuel the character's journey
- Goals are the specific objectives the character aims to achieve throughout the story
- Winning a competition, solving a mystery, or reconciling with a family member are examples of concrete goals
- Clear motivations and goals give the character a sense of purpose and direction, driving the plot forward
Fears and insecurities
- Fears are the deep-seated anxieties or phobias that hold the character back or create internal obstacles
- Fear of abandonment, fear of failure, or fear of confronting the truth can lead to avoidance or irrational behavior
- Insecurities are the self-doubts or feelings of inadequacy that undermine the character's confidence and self-worth
- Impostor syndrome, body image issues, or a sense of not belonging can lead to self-sabotage or seeking validation from others
- Overcoming fears and insecurities is often a key part of the character's growth and transformation
Key life events
- Key life events are the significant moments or turning points that shape the character's path and define their identity
- These events can occur before the story begins (backstory) or during the course of the narrative, creating a sense of cause and effect
Turning points and defining moments
- Turning points are the pivotal moments that alter the character's trajectory or force them to make critical decisions
- A chance encounter, a life-changing opportunity, or a shocking revelation can shift the character's perspective and goals
- Defining moments are the experiences that crystalize the character's values, beliefs, or sense of purpose
- Standing up to injustice, making a sacrifice for others, or confronting a long-held fear can solidify the character's identity
Triumphs and failures
- Triumphs are the successes or achievements that boost the character's confidence and bring them closer to their goals
- Winning a long-sought prize, overcoming a personal challenge, or earning recognition from others can provide a sense of validation and momentum
- Failures are the setbacks or disappointments that test the character's resilience and force them to reevaluate their approach
- Losing a job, failing to protect a loved one, or making a costly mistake can lead to self-doubt and a need for redemption
- The balance between triumphs and failures creates a realistic and engaging character journey
Relationships and influences
- Relationships are the connections and interactions that shape the character's emotional landscape and support system
- Family bonds, friendships, romantic partnerships, and mentor-mentee relationships can provide guidance, , and growth opportunities
- Influences are the external factors or individuals that impact the character's beliefs, decisions, and actions
- Role models, cultural icons, or societal expectations can shape the character's aspirations and sense of identity
- The evolution of relationships and the impact of influences add depth and complexity to the character's development
Secrets and mysteries
- Secrets and mysteries are the hidden aspects of the character's past or present that create intrigue, tension, and opportunities for revelation
- These elements can drive the plot, deepen the character's complexity, and engage the audience's curiosity
Hidden aspects of the past
- Hidden aspects of the past are the unknown or undisclosed details of the character's backstory that have a bearing on their current situation
- A secret identity, a hidden talent, or a long-buried family secret can emerge to complicate the character's journey
- Gradually revealing these hidden aspects can create suspense and shed new light on the character's motivations and actions
Unresolved conflicts and traumas
- Unresolved conflicts are the lingering disputes or tensions from the character's past that continue to impact their present
- A long-standing rivalry, a betrayal, or a misunderstanding can resurface to create obstacles and emotional turmoil
- Traumas are the deeply painful or distressing experiences that leave lasting scars on the character's psyche
- Childhood abuse, a violent assault, or a devastating loss can haunt the character and influence their behavior and relationships
- Confronting and resolving these conflicts and traumas can be a key part of the character's healing and growth
Unanswered questions and enigmas
- Unanswered questions are the gaps in the character's knowledge or understanding that create uncertainty and drive their search for truth
- A missing piece of information, a cryptic message, or a puzzling inconsistency can spur the character to investigate and uncover answers
- Enigmas are the perplexing or mysterious aspects of the character's backstory or current situation that defy easy explanation
- A strange coincidence, an unexplained ability, or a recurring symbol can hint at a deeper meaning or connection
- Exploring and resolving these questions and enigmas can provide a sense of discovery and closure for both the character and the audience
Evolution of the character
- The evolution of the character refers to the transformative journey they undergo throughout the story, as they learn, grow, and adapt to new challenges
- Tracking the changes in the character's beliefs, priorities, and sense of self creates a satisfying and meaningful character arc
Changes in beliefs and values
- As the character encounters new perspectives and experiences, their long-held beliefs and values may be challenged or reinforced
- A staunch individualist may learn the importance of community and collaboration
- A cynical skeptic may find renewed faith in the goodness of others
- These changes in beliefs and values can lead to shifts in the character's behavior and decision-making
Shifts in priorities and loyalties
- As the character's understanding of themselves and the world around them deepens, their priorities and loyalties may shift
- A career-driven workaholic may realize the importance of family and personal relationships
- A loyal soldier may question the motives of their superiors and choose to defect
- These shifts in priorities and loyalties can create internal conflicts and alter the character's goals and alliances
Growth and transformation over time
- Throughout the story, the character should experience growth and transformation as they overcome challenges, learn from mistakes, and gain new insights
- A timid underdog may develop confidence and assertiveness
- A selfish egoist may learn empathy and selflessness
- The character's growth and transformation should be gradual, believable, and tied to the events and relationships in the story
Backstory vs present story
- The backstory is the character's history and experiences before the main story begins, while the present story is the current narrative unfolding on screen
- Understanding the relationship between the backstory and the present story is crucial for creating a cohesive and impactful character arc
Relevance to current plot
- The character's backstory should be relevant to the current plot, providing context, , and stakes for their actions and decisions
- A detective's past failure to solve a case may drive their obsession with a new investigation
- A politician's humble beginnings may shape their commitment to fighting for the underprivileged
- The backstory should be revealed strategically, providing just enough information to enhance the present story without overwhelming it
Echoes and parallels in narrative
- The character's backstory can create echoes and parallels in the present narrative, highlighting themes, conflicts, and growth opportunities
- A character who experienced betrayal in the past may struggle to trust others in the present
- A character who overcame adversity in their youth may face similar challenges as an adult
- These echoes and parallels can create a sense of continuity and resonance throughout the story
Revelations and payoffs for the audience
- The gradual revelation of the character's backstory can create anticipation, curiosity, and emotional investment for the audience
- A shocking secret from the character's past may recontextualize their actions and relationships
- A long-awaited confrontation with a figure from the character's history may provide catharsis and resolution
- These revelations and payoffs should be timed and executed in a way that maximizes their impact and satisfies the audience's expectations
Key Terms to Review (18)
Catalyst event: A catalyst event is a significant moment or occurrence in a narrative that triggers a series of actions, decisions, or changes in the characters' lives. This event often propels the protagonist into the main conflict or journey, shaping their character development and influencing their backstory. It serves as a pivotal point that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary and sets the narrative in motion.
Character Arc: A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, illustrating how they evolve in response to the events and challenges they face. This evolution typically involves a shift in their beliefs, motivations, or behaviors, connecting deeply with the story's structure, themes, and character dynamics.
Conflict: Conflict refers to the struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or characters, which drives the narrative forward and creates tension within a story. This element is essential in storytelling, as it reveals character motivations and backstory, sets up stakes, and helps establish central themes.
Cultural Background: Cultural background refers to the social, historical, and environmental factors that shape an individual's beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors. It plays a crucial role in defining a character's identity, influencing their decisions, interactions, and how they respond to situations. This background encompasses elements such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, and family dynamics that collectively inform a character's worldview and motivations.
Dialogue exposition: Dialogue exposition refers to the technique of conveying important background information about characters, setting, or plot through the spoken words of the characters in a script. This method allows filmmakers to share crucial details with the audience while keeping the narrative engaging and natural. Effective dialogue exposition strikes a balance between informing the audience and maintaining a realistic flow of conversation among characters.
Flashback: A flashback is a narrative device that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to provide background information or context by depicting events that occurred in the past. This technique helps deepen character development, enhance emotional impact, and clarify plot elements, making it essential in storytelling, especially in feature films.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give hints or clues about what will happen later in a story. It creates anticipation in the audience, building tension and helping to prepare them for future events or outcomes. This technique is crucial for effective storytelling as it connects various elements of the narrative, enhancing emotional impact and thematic depth.
Interweaving: Interweaving refers to the technique of intertwining multiple narratives, characters, or elements within a story to create a cohesive and rich tapestry of storytelling. This method allows for deeper exploration of themes and character development, as different storylines can influence and illuminate one another.
Linda Seger: Linda Seger is a prominent screenwriting consultant and author, known for her influential work on character development and story structure in screenwriting. Her theories emphasize the importance of character backstory and motivation in creating compelling narratives, as they deeply influence how characters are perceived and how their actions resonate with the audience.
Motivation: Motivation refers to the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions throughout a story. It's what compels characters to pursue their goals, influencing their choices and growth along their journey. Understanding motivation is crucial because it shapes character arcs, defines relationships between protagonists and antagonists, influences script feedback, and reveals the depth of character backstories.
Non-linear narrative: A non-linear narrative is a storytelling technique where events are presented out of chronological order, allowing for a more complex exploration of themes, characters, and plots. This approach enables filmmakers and writers to create suspense, reveal information in a strategic manner, and engage the audience in piecing together the story as they experience it. It can be used effectively to enhance character development and emotional impact.
Origin story: An origin story is a narrative that explains the beginnings and development of a character, often detailing their formative experiences, motivations, and relationships that shape who they are. This concept is crucial for understanding character backstory, as it provides context for a character's actions, choices, and transformations throughout a story.
Personal history: Personal history refers to the unique experiences, events, and circumstances that shape an individual's identity and perspective. This concept plays a crucial role in storytelling, as it helps to build depth in characters by providing context for their actions, motivations, and relationships with others.
Relationship dynamics: Relationship dynamics refer to the patterns of interaction and behavior between characters in a narrative, influenced by their backgrounds, motivations, and emotions. These dynamics shape the way characters relate to one another, impacting conflict, dialogue, and character development throughout the story. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for crafting believable and engaging relationships that resonate with audiences.
Robert McKee: Robert McKee is a renowned screenwriting lecturer and author, best known for his book 'Story,' which has become a foundational text in the field of screenwriting. His teachings focus on the essential elements of storytelling, such as structure, character development, and effective dialogue, making his insights critical for understanding narrative construction in screenplays.
Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or message that exists beneath the surface of dialogue or action. It reveals characters' true emotions, motivations, or intentions without explicitly stating them, adding depth to storytelling and allowing audiences to engage more deeply with the narrative.
Tension Building: Tension building refers to the gradual increase of suspense and conflict in a narrative, often achieved through the development of character relationships, stakes, and obstacles. This technique heightens the emotional engagement of the audience, making them more invested in the characters' journeys and the outcomes of their struggles. By intertwining character backstories with present conflicts, tension building can create a rich, layered experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Trauma: Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to distressing experiences that can have a lasting impact on an individual's mental health and behavior. In storytelling, especially in character backstory, trauma shapes how characters perceive the world, influences their motivations, and often serves as a driving force behind their actions and relationships.