How to Write and Position Backstory in Your Novel for Maximum Impact

When it comes to crafting a novel, nailing the backstory is like finding the perfect spice for your grandma’s secret recipe—it makes everything come together beautifully. But where do you sprinkle this narrative gold, and how much should you add? In this post, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of backstory: how to write it, where to position it, and how to keep your readers hooked.
What Is Backstory and Why Is It Important?Backstory is the history that shapes your characters and the world they live in. It's the hidden layer of your novel that adds depth and realism. Imagine watching a movie where you know nothing about the characters’ pasts—it would feel pretty flat, right? Your characters' experiences, traumas, and triumphs are what make them feel real and relatable. The key is to weave this into your story without dragging down the pace.
Writing Backstory: How to Do It Right1. Sprinkle, Don’t DumpNobody likes an info dump. Picture this: you’re at a party, and someone starts telling you their entire life story in one go. Awkward, right? The same goes for backstory in your novel. Introduce it in small doses, like breadcrumbs leading your reader deeper into the narrative forest.
Example: Instead of opening with a detailed history of your protagonist's tragic past, you could drop a line like, “Every time she passed the old bakery, the smell of cinnamon took her back to that fateful day when everything changed.”
2. Show, Don’t TellBackstory is most powerful when it’s shown through actions, dialogue, or sensory details, rather than just being told in a block of text.
Example: If your character has a fear of water, show them avoiding the beach, flinching at the sight of a pool, or panicking during a rainstorm, rather than just stating, “Bob was scared of water.”
3. Make It RelevantDon’t just throw in backstory for the sake of it. It should serve a purpose, either driving the plot forward or revealing crucial aspects of your character.
Example: If a character's fear of commitment stems from a past heartbreak, reveal snippets of this past only when they face a relationship crisis in the present.
4. Use Flashbacks SparinglyFlashbacks are a great tool, but too many can disrupt the flow of your story. Use them when you need to reveal something critical that can't be shown any other way.
Example: A pivotal moment where your protagonist remembers the day they lost a loved one, shedding light on their current behaviour.
Where to Position Backstory in Your Novel1. Start In Medias ResKick off your story in the thick of things. Hook your readers with an intriguing scene, and then weave in the backstory as the plot progresses. This keeps the momentum going and avoids the dreaded “slow start.”
Example: Begin with your character in the midst of a robbery, then reveal their backstory as a former cop turned rogue through dialogue and action.
2. Integrate with DialogueCharacters discussing their pasts can be a natural and engaging way to introduce backstory. This also helps reveal character relationships and dynamics.
Example: “Remember the time we almost got caught stealing Dad’s car?” Jenna laughed, the memory of their teenage rebellion still fresh in her mind.
3. Tie to Current EventsLink the backstory to what’s happening now in your plot. This makes it feel more relevant and integral to the story.
Example: If your protagonist is running from a secretive organisation, snippets of their past with this group can be revealed as they encounter challenges or allies.
4. Use Memories and ReflectionsCharacters can reflect on their past in a way that ties to their present situation. This can be an effective way to reveal backstory without halting the plot.
Example: Your hero pauses during a mission, a familiar landmark sparking a memory of a crucial training session that explains their current skills.
5. Drip Feed ThroughoutRather than dumping all the backstory in one place, sprinkle it throughout your novel. Each reveal should add a layer of depth to your characters and plot.
Example: Drop hints about a character's estranged family in the first act, flesh out a significant event in the second, and reveal the full impact by the climax.
Engaging Your Readers with BackstoryUse Humour to HumaniseBackstory doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom. Use humour to make your characters relatable and their histories engaging.
Example: “Sophie always blamed her aversion to clowns on that one ill-fated birthday party where the ‘entertainer’ showed up tipsy and tried to juggle cats.”
Create a Sense of MysteryKeep your readers guessing. Drop hints that make them curious about your characters’ pasts without giving everything away upfront.
Example: “He never talked about why he left the military, but the scar running from his temple to his jawline suggested a story worth hearing.”
Relatable StrugglesWe all have pasts that shape us. Make your backstory relatable by focusing on universal themes like love, loss, and personal growth.
Example: “Jane’s hesitation at the reunion wasn’t just about facing her old classmates; it was about confronting the years she’d spent trying to forget that chapter of her life.”
ConclusionMastering backstory in your novel can elevate your storytelling and create a richer, more immersive experience for your readers. Remember to sprinkle, not dump, and integrate it naturally into your narrative. Use humour, mystery, and relatable struggles to keep your readers hooked. Now, go forth and infuse your story with a backstory that’s as compelling as the main plot!