Strategies for Crafting Engrossing Character History:
Developing Captivating Character Backstories: Essential Strategies for Writers
To craft engrossing characters that captivate readers from the first page, a well-thought-out backstory can make a significant difference. Here are five strategies that will help you delve into your characters' pasts and effectively incorporate them into your story.
Origin Scene: Injuries that Shape Your Hero
The Origin Scene signifies a pivotal event from your hero's past that has left an indelible psychological scar. While the wound may be healed, it still lingers and can wreak havoc when the story begins. This aspect plays a crucial role in fostering an emotional connection between the characters and readers, making the story feel authentic rather than monotonously recounting dry biographical details.
In Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games," the memory of Katniss Everdeen's 11-year-old self, when Peeta throws her two charred loaves of bread, serves to illustrate her bleak reality after losing her father, with a mother sinking into depression and no means to provide for the family. Though the Origin Scene might not always feature prominently, detailing it will make your character's psychological wound feel real when you write about them.
Character's Why: Motivations that Drive the Plot
A character with a feeble or absent motivation can be likened to a stalling car running out of fuel. In contrast, a clear purpose can deepen the reader's connection to the protagonist, as they learn and root for the reasons behind their actions. Exploring why your character wants what they want can provide insights into their choices and actions, revealing the profound impact of their backstory on their objectives.
In the Harry Potter series, Harry's goal is to defeat Voldemort, driven by more than just revenge for his parents' murder. His overarching fear is losing the family he's found at Hogwarts, after spending his entire life with the abusive Dursleys. By understanding Harry's complex motivations, the story unfolds in a believable and rival-rooting fashion.
Exploring the World of Your Character's Childhood
Delving into the family and world your character grew up in will significantly impact their outlook on life when they grow older. Consider their socio-economic background, safety, relationships, education, and opportunities. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can provide a helpful framework for determining how a character's primary needs are met.
For instance, in Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince," Jude Duarte, the story's protagonist, grew up in a harsh world, having witnessed her parents' murder and living under the guard of the man who committed the crime in a hostile realm where she feels like an outsider due to her lack of magical abilities. This influences the choices she makes as the story progresses.
Backstories and Stasis
To push your character toward growth and change, it's essential to establish a stasis=death point, a pivotal moment indicating that if the character continues on their current path, they'll face psychological and physical death. Working backward from this moment can provide valuable insight into the character's life before the story begins, fueling suspense and questions that will keep readers on edge.
In Alexandra Bracken's "Lore," the protagonist's refusal to confront her past puts her in a stagnating pattern of self-destructive behavior. By understanding the events that led her to this point, the story can effectively address her character arc.
Infodumping: A No-No in Character Development
While you want your readers to care about your characters from the outset, refrain from overloading them with excessive backstory at the beginning of your story. A sparing use of intriguing tidbits will pique interest without suffocating the narrative. For example, in Leigh Bardugo's "Ninth House," she employs subtle details to evoke Alex Stern's past memories, creating a sense of mystery without info-dumping.
By utilizing these strategies, you can create captivating and relatable characters that not only engage your readers but also help propel the story forward.
- In crafting a compelling home-and-garden lifestyle magazine, featuring articles on character profiles from the world of literature would enrich readers' understanding of these fictional characters' backstories.
- Delving into the lifestyle of a character's early life, like Jude Duarte from Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince," can provide insight into how their past influences their preferences, behavior, and perceptions towards home and garden, making for a more compelling story.
