
 Writing Excuses
 Writing Excuses 20.06: History and Community
 16 snips 
 Feb 9, 2025  Ever thought about how much backstory your character really needs? Discover the art of 'backfilling' to add depth without overwhelming your narrative. The discussion shines a light on the impact of identity and community on character actions and choices. Plus, explore how today's fragmented media world shapes storytelling. Learn to weave emotional connections into your narratives, making characters resonate through well-developed histories. Embrace the nuances of identity to create relatable, authentic characters. 
 AI Snips 
 Chapters 
 Books 
 Transcript 
 Episode notes 
Character Backstory
- Consider how much you need to know about your character's past.
- Discover details as you write and layer them in for continuity.
Narrative Weight of Identity
- Give character identities narrative weight, impacting their actions and choices.
- Avoid simply stating facts; show how their past shapes their present.
Background Informing Choices
- A character's background influences their choices and reactions.
- Consider how their experiences shape their internal thoughts and language.



