That is one of the great things I love about developing backstory. You wind up creating other characters and possible storylines that you normally may not have.
July 27, 2008 8:58 PM
So, when is it backstory, and when is it . . . well, not?
The problems of a less-than-founded story (voice of experience talking):
Characters whose motivations are confusing because they're a function of multiple complex past influences. Awkward dialogue that exists only to sketch those past influences, which is just another way of breaking the show-don't-tell rule. A plot that seems shallow without full development of the past conflicts which drive it.Yes, the rule of thumb is to tell only what's necessary. But there is a time to tell more, rather than less.
Knowing that the work was going "clunk" without more of a foundation, I decided to take some time to write out all the backstory that was clogging my thoughts. A whole new story shape emerged.
It organically solves so many problems—plot arc, characterization, creating depth—that I'm inclined to believe I just started in the wrong place.
It means more supporting characters and a couple more POVs. But the result is a story with far more layers and far more development.
Mowser
"Backstory...Or Not"
1 Comment -
That is one of the great things I love about developing backstory. You wind up creating other characters and possible storylines that you normally may not have.
July 27, 2008 8:58 PM
The problems of a less-than-founded story (voice of experience talking):
Characters whose motivations are confusing because they're a function of multiple complex past influences. Awkward dialogue that exists only to sketch those past influences, which is just another way of breaking the show-don't-tell rule. A plot that seems shallow without full development of the past conflicts which drive it.Yes, the rule of thumb is to tell only what's necessary. But there is a time to tell more, rather than less.
Knowing that the work was going "clunk" without more of a foundation, I decided to take some time to write out all the backstory that was clogging my thoughts. A whole new story shape emerged.
It organically solves so many problems—plot arc, characterization, creating depth—that I'm inclined to believe I just started in the wrong place.
It means more supporting characters and a couple more POVs. But the result is a story with far more layers and far more development.
Sometimes backstory isn't.
posted by Zookeeper Cat at 2:25 AM on 8-Jun-2008