Everyone Has Reversals

Story Lessons, Big and Small (Warning: Spoilers!)

October 21, 2007

Since You Asked

We all know how tough it is to bring a character's back story to light. The character may have a history... but how do you reveal that history without it sounding like pointless exposition? "Hey, remember how when you were a kid you were abused, and that's informed every decision you've made since?" "I know. Crazy."

Convention says that bringing up back story works best when a) the audience is dying to have the gaps filled in, e.g. Rick and Ilsa's history in Paris; or b) the characters are playing out conflict now based on what happened then, e.g. the slapfest that is "She's my sister... she's my daughter... she's my sister AND my daughter!"


Another take, that I haven't seen articulated before (and that could easily go into the Lessons from the Incredibly Obvious File): bring up a character's back story because someone else asks. In Michael Clayton (no real spoilers, here) we learn the facts of George Clooney's education and employment because Tilda Swinton really, really wants to know. A lackey does some research and shares his discoveries.


Now, just a warning-- in Clayton, as we're hearing the unadorned facts about this character's history, we're also seeing him in action, doing something that has nothing to do with what we're hearing. Otherwise, hello-- the story would stop dead for a minute or two. Still, I think this is such a tidy lesson: want to share some facts about your character? Have someone in your story ask.

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