Backstory - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A backstory is the history or background of a character, event, or situation that helps explain their current actions or motivations. It provides context and depth to a narrative.
Definition:
The background or history of a character, event, or situation in a story or real life.
Synonyms:
background, history, origin, context
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
future, prospect
Common Collocations:
character backstory, reveal the backstory, explore the backstory, detailed backstory
Derivatives:
backstories (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use 'backstory' to explain a character's past or motivations in a narrative context.
Common Phrases:
"fill in the backstory, " "backstory revealed, " "rich backstory"
Etymology:
Derived from 'back' (rear) + 'story,' first used in the early 20th century for narrative contexts.
Examples:
- 1. The movie reveals the villain’s tragic backstory in a flashback.
- 2. Her backstory explains why she distrusts strangers.
- 3. The author crafted a detailed backstory for each character.
- 4. Without a clear backstory, his actions seem confusing.