2.3 Character backstory

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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  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 character arc

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, conflict, 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, motivation, 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