fiction

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Back Story

I’m not one to typically quote Bible verses but I think this one is exceptionally true. I am obsessed with back story–both in stories and in life.

I appreciate movies and shows who create expansive universes and call on them to direct the action. I am especially impressed when the back story is a game changer but isn’t revealed until late in the story.

Some of my favorite examples:

In Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV), it is revealed Angel has been watching Buffy for years prior their meeting. (Joss Whedon rocks at back story.)

In Final Cut (movie), one faulty memory is revealed–changing a man’s whole purpose and meaning in life.

In Memento (movie), the bad guy is not who we thought.

In Phantom by Susan Kay (book), we learn the real reason Erik is obsessed with Christine and how he came to know all his secrets.

In many of these cases, we thought we understood the character. We could predict how they could act. But as more of their back story was revealed, we learned more about their motives. They took new risks and changed directions, without contradicting our first impression of the character.

Excellent back story is an art form unto itself.

Personal Back Story

Another reason I am obsessed with back story is because it is application in life. Or to be more accurate, I feel it should be applicable but I can’t figure it out.

If I understand another’s history, then I should be able to predict their actions with reasonable accuracy. But this is certainly a case where life is far stranger than fiction.

In my life, I have met a few people who exemplify evil. They suffered tragic pasts and as a result, they paid forward the evil they suffered. But I have also met loving, giving people–who have had equally tragic pasts. Why did one continue on a path of pain, while the other forged their own original trail?

But as the Bible verse implies, I can’t even predict my own behavior on a regular basis.

• I eat when I am angry. And I don’t always know why I am angry.
• I am self destructive in many unique ways.
• I act out of biases and prejudices that I don’t rationally believe.
• I don’t finish things–especially if it looks like it will be successful.

I have rather large holes in my past but even with inadequate information, I should be able to predict my own behavior. But often, I can’t.

In fiction, it is crucial to understand the character’s back story informs and influences his decisions. A deep dark secret can be revealed and further influence his trajectory but it can not contradict what we already know.

I am always on the look out for new books, shows and movies that demonstrate excellent back story. Do you have any to share?

Monday’s post will be titled Cry.