Backstory is one of the most powerful—and most misunderstood—tools in storytelling. Done well, it deepens characters, explains motivations, and anchors readers in the world of the story. Done poorly, it becomes an information dump that stalls the narrative and risks losing the reader.
Why Backstory Matters
Backstory is the story that happens before page one. It shapes who your characters are when the novel begins. Often, it’s tied to an event that hurt them, created a flaw, or established a driving motivation. Without it, characters may feel flat or unconvincing. But too much backstory, especially early on, can overwhelm readers with explanation instead of action.
Think of backstory as seasoning—not the whole meal. Sprinkled in at the right time, it makes the main story richer. Poured out all at once, it overshadows the actual narrative.
A great example comes from The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey. Early on, Carey drops intriguing pieces of backstory that raise questions without fully answering them: children are rare, they arrive and disappear, and something ominous is happening behind the scenes. The effect? Curiosity drives the reader forward.
Using Backstory Effectively
As editors, we look for balance. Backstory should serve a purpose:
- Too Little: The reader feels lost, unsure why a character behaves the way they do.
- Too Much: The reader is dragged out of the story by an info dump.
- Irrelevant: The backstory doesn’t connect to character motivations, flaws, or the plot.
When a scene leans too heavily on explanation, one option is to convert backstory into action or even a flashback. This way, the reader experiences the past with the character rather than being told about it.
Equally important is timing. Ask: Does the reader need this information right now? Or could it wait until later in the story? Curiosity fuels engagement—don’t answer every question too soon.
Advice for Writers
Here’s what to keep in mind as you revise:
- Anchor your backstory in character pain or motivation—something that still matters in the present story.
- Spread it out strategically. Let readers discover the past in small, meaningful doses.
- Avoid irrelevant details. If a revelation about your character’s past doesn’t affect the plot or deepen the character, cut it.
- If you find yourself front-loading chapters with paragraphs of explanation, consider moving some of that material later.
- Remember: curiosity keeps the pages turning. Keep the reader wondering.
Final Thought
Backstory is powerful, but only when it’s relevant, strategically placed, and connected to your characters’ flaws and goals. Your job is to use it to deepen the emotional impact of the present story—not replace it.
As you review your manuscript, use the Story Map to track backstory in each scene. Are you giving the reader just enough to understand and stay intrigued, or weighing them down with too much too soon?
Backstory should whisper, not shout.
The Pencil Driven Life 