{"id":8633,"date":"2025-06-09T15:03:59","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:03:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/?p=8633"},"modified":"2025-06-09T15:04:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:04:03","slug":"how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\/","title":{"rendered":"How do you write interesting character backstories?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-601904af31fb8d5a35691c5a2c08c4a0\" style=\"color:#212638;background-color:#dbeeff\"><blockquote><p><em>\u201cHi Novlr! Would you possibly have any ideas about how to make character backstories more interesting?\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Trying to breathe life into a character&#8217;s past without falling into the trap of clich\u00e9 or a boring chronological list of events is always a challenge. Backstories are essential building blocks of three-dimensional characters, but making them interesting and meaningful can be confronting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes a backstory interesting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most interesting character backstories aren&#8217;t just collections of past events. They\u2019re carefully crafted lives that influence your character&#8217;s present actions, decisions, and relationships. Your character\u2019s backstory is what makes them who they are in the present, much as your own past has shaped you into the person you are today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An interesting backstory should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shape your character&#8217;s present motivations and fears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feed into their internal conflicts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Influence how they interact with other characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give context for their strengths, weaknesses, positive characteristics, and flaws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add depth to their personality to make them feel like fully rounded people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What goes into great character backstories?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emotional impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Focus on events that left lasting emotional impressions on your character. These defining moments should still affect them in some way during your story&#8217;s present timeline. For example, a character who lost their savings to a scam might struggle with trust issues or be overly cautious with money, or someone who has led a privileged life might be na\u00efve about what happens in the lives of their friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Different details for different purposes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every detail of your character&#8217;s past needs to be included in your story, but they\u2019re often good for you as the writer to know them, anyway. A childhood pet might not be important to the story you\u2019re telling, but might help humanise them to you so you get a better sense of who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to backstory, it\u2019s important to determine what\u2019s just for you, the writer, and what will be important for your readers. For narrative purposes, you\u2019ll only want to reveal elements that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Directly influence your plot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/a-foolproof-character-cheat-sheet-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">important character traits<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create interesting dynamics with other characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add depth to your character\u2019s present conflicts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Write as much detail as you want, but be sure that you\u2019re strategic in what you choose to reveal to your readers in any detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hidden depths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best backstories often contain secrets, regrets, or unresolved issues that can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-build-and-maintain-tension\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">create tension<\/a> in your story. You can gradually reveal these elements as the plot progresses, which helps to add layers of complexity to your character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can be strategic in how you reveal this information. It\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of info dumping, but gradually revealing character backstories is always the best way forward. Let you get readers get to know them slowly, just like you get to know a friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull novlr-cta has-text-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#000000;background-color:#f8f9fc\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"778\" height=\"194\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png\" alt=\"Novlr logo\" class=\"wp-image-5163 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 778px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 778\/194;width:150px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1.png 778w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-300x75.png 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/combined-1-1-768x192.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 778px) 100vw, 778px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"schedule-a-visit\" style=\"font-size:22px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.15\"><strong>Write more, write better, and achieve your goals with Novlr!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-horizontal is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-499968f5 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-25\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/signup\" style=\"border-radius:50px;color:#ffffff;background-color:#212638;font-size:15px\">Sign up. It&#8217;s free!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common pitfalls to avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Information overload<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t feel pressured to explain every aspect of your character&#8217;s past. Sometimes, leaving certain elements mysterious can make a character more interesting. Remember, you&#8217;re writing a story, not a biography. You can know things about your character that a reader doesn\u2019t need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clich\u00e9d trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While traumatic events can shape characters, relying too heavily on tragic backstories can feel forced or manipulative. Focus instead on a mix of experiences, both positive and negative, that have shaped your character&#8217;s worldview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Irrelevant details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid including background information that doesn&#8217;t serve your plot. Ask yourself: &#8220;Does this detail matter to who the character is now or what they&#8217;re trying to achieve?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Techniques for revealing backstory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Through action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Show how past experiences influence your character&#8217;s current behaviour. As an example, if your character is afraid of water, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/show-dont-tell-the-not-so-secret-weapon-of-all-great-writers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">instead of explaining that fear, show them<\/a> avoiding the beach or panicking when they\u2019re put in a situation where water is inevitable (travel by boat, for instance).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Through dialogue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let characters naturally reveal pieces of their past through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/tips-for-writing-dialogue-reading-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">conversations<\/a>, arguments, or moments of vulnerability. This feels more organic than lengthy exposition (aka info dumping). We don\u2019t announce our personalities, fears, quirks, and traumas to everyone we meet, so apply that same logic to your characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Through flashbacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Flashbacks can be a double-edged sword. They can be effective, but only when used intentionally. If you use flashbacks, make them count. Choose powerful moments that directly connect to your current story and reveal something meaningful about your character that couldn\u2019t be revealed another way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Through objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical items can carry emotional weight and history. A worn photograph, an old letter, or a cherished possession can reveal aspects of your character&#8217;s past. Simply showing the way that someone uses or interacts with something can reveal a lot about their experiences with that subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions to ask yourself to develop better backstories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When writing character backstories, you can ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What experiences shaped their core beliefs?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What relationships influenced who they became?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What choices do they regret?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What achievements are they proud of?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What secrets do they keep?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How does their past affect their current goals?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Making it matter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The key to writing interesting backstories is making them relevant to your current narrative. Every piece of history you include should serve a purpose, whether it&#8217;s explaining current behaviour, creating conflict, building relationships, moving the plot forward, or illustrating character growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, a character&#8217;s past should enrich your story, not overshadow it. Focus on elements that matter to your current story and let the rest remain in the background.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cHi Novlr! Would you possibly have any ideas about how to make character backstories more interesting?\u201d Trying to breathe life into a character&#8217;s past without falling into the trap of clich\u00e9 or a boring chronological list of events is always a challenge. Backstories are essential building blocks of three-dimensional characters, but making them interesting and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":8634,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1280","footnotes":""},"categories":[108,24],"tags":[67,28],"class_list":["post-8633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-novlr","category-writing-tips","tag-character-development","tag-writing-tips","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How do you write interesting character backstories? | The Novlr Reading Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to write interesting character backstories that enrich your story and bring your characters to life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How do you write interesting character backstories? | The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to write interesting character backstories that enrich your story and bring your characters to life.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Novlr Reading Room\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/novlr\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-06-09T14:03:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-09T14:04:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Frame-158.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1260\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@novlrtweets\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@novlrtweets\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Pamela Koehne-Drube\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/726ed0ac79316fa69373ac67027dd121\"},\"headline\":\"How do you write interesting character backstories?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-06-09T14:03:59+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-09T14:04:03+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":937,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/Frame-158.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"character development\",\"writing tips\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Ask Novlr\",\"Writing\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.novlr.org\\\/the-reading-room\\\/how-do-you-write-interesting-character-backstories\\\/\",\"name\":\"How do you write interesting character backstories? 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