characterbackstory
Character backstory, sometimes written as characterbackstory in digital contexts, is the biography of a fictional character's life prior to the main events of a narrative. It encompasses formative experiences, relationships, and circumstances that shape personality, values, and capabilities.
Its purposes include providing motivation, explaining present behavior, creating credibility, and enriching the world. A well-developed
Elements commonly included are origin and family background, education and training, formative events (trauma, successes, failures),
Techniques include exposition, dialogue that hints at past, flashbacks, diary entries, or objects that recall events.
Best practices: keep it consistent with the narrative; avoid overloading early; let backstory inform character arc