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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.

backstory

/ˈbækˌstɔri/ /ˈbækˌstɔːri/

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.

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