How Much Backstory Should You Write

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What is the writer's advice about including backstory in a story?

Include as much backstory as possible to create a rich world

Create infodumps to explain every detail of the character's history

Avoid getting stuck in writing backstory forever and focus on the emotional core (correct)

Incorporate all of the hero's backstory in one book to provide a comprehensive understanding

How much of the hero's backstory should be shown in a book?

It should be mentioned briefly in passing

Only a small portion of it (correct)

None of it

All of it in detail

What does the text emphasize as the writer's most powerful tool?

Reader's imagination (correct)

Character backstories

Intricate plot development

Detailed explanations

What are 'defining moments' in a hero's life, according to the text?

Scars or secret memories that influence how the hero interacts with the world Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking questions about the hero's defining moments?

To explore emotional moments that define the hero's interactions Signup and view all the answers

How does the text suggest creating an amazing backstory for a hero?

By showing just the tip of the iceberg and dropping hints about the character's past Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for having a unique, engaging voice for your protagonist?

To ensure that the character's voice is easily distinguishable in dialogue Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest to understand the defining moments of a hero?

Understanding their hopes and desperation Signup and view all the answers

Why are character flaws important in creating a believable hero?

To create an empathetic and relatable hero Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a hero to go through a personal journey?

To undergo a deep, internal change Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as an approach to understanding the character's voice?

Removing all dialogue tags and identifying the speaker based on word choice and sentence structure Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for heroes to recognize their flaws?

To provide them with opportunities for growth Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about character arcs of iconic heroes like Thor, James Bond, or Sherlock Holmes?

Their character arcs reset at the beginning of every story Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about understanding a handful of your hero’s defining moments?

It enables getting closer to the character and understanding what makes them tick Signup and view all the answers

How can character voice be expressed according to the article?

Through language/dialect and word choice/sentence structure Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested as a way to have a unique, engaging voice for your protagonist?

Sitting down quietly with your character for a conversation Signup and view all the answers

How Much Backstory Should You Write

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