What is backstory? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of backstory

backstorynoun
câu chuyện đằng sau
/ˈbækstɔːri//ˈbækstɔːri/

Where does the word backstory come from?

The word "backstory" has its roots in the early 20th century in the United States. It emerged from the world of comics and pulp fiction, where it referred to the pre-existing narrative or history of a character that wasn't explicitly revealed in the main story. This concept allowed writers to add depth and complexity to their characters without overcrowding the main narrative. The term "backstory" is a combination of "back" and "story," and it gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of character-driven fiction. Since then, "backstory" has become a common term in various creative fields, including film, literature, and even gaming. It now refers to any pre-existing narrative or context that informs a character's actions, motivations, or personality.

Example of vocabulary backstorynamespace

the things that are supposed to have happened to the characters in a film, novel, etc., before the film, etc. starts

The film spends too long establishing the characters' backstories.
Before becoming a successful chef, Maria's backstory involved working as a line cook at a small diner in rural Tennessee.
The detective's backstory included growing up in a tough neighborhood and witnessing violent crimes as a child.
In her memoir, the actress revealed candid details about her backstory, including her struggles with addiction and body image issues.
The superhero's backstory involved being a lab assistant who accidentally discovered a serum that granted him incredible powers.

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