Why Use Character Backstory
Gamers and Authors Should Know Their Characters' History
Character backstory makes characters more interesting and easier to write, for gamers and authors alike.
Imagine for a moment that you are an adventurer with a sidekick you've known for years. He's absolutely fearless. You've fought dire wolves together and faced down wraiths. In fact, he has made fun of you for your moments of cowardice. You admire and envy his bravery. Then one day, the sight of a tiny white rat reduces him to trembling and tears.
You're curious why, aren't you? If you are this warrior's friend, you are going to start asking questions. If you are a reader, you're going to want to get right to the next chapter to find out why a brave man is afraid of a white rat.
Backstories Create Interesting, Believable Characters
This is why you need to write down your character's backstory. Whether you are a gamer or a novelist, you will be able to create more interesting characters by knowing their backstories. This is because the things that don't seem to fit are what make people interesting, and that goes for flesh-and-blood friends and characters alike.
What would have happened in that scene if the writer or gamer hadn't known the warrior's backstory? Nothing. It would simply be assumed by all that a big, strong warrior would not be afraid of a tiny little rat. But since the character's creator knew better, he was able to create an interesting scenario, and to show a human weakness that others didn't know was a part of this character's makeup.
In addition to giving you the ability to occasionally surprise the reader or your fellow gamers, you will be able to give your Dungeon Master a little something extra to work with. For instance, if the DM knows about your character's white rat issues, he can then throw some at you at some point.
Backstory Helps to Avoid Stereotyping Characters
Knowing your character's history ahead of time will save you time when you are trying to figure out how he will react in a given situation, and it will keep you consistent as well. This will result in your character's actions seeming less random, and will keep you from making him too much of a stereotype. Your character's backstory is, in essence, a map of his likely actions and reactions. Having a map always saves you time on a journey.
People are complex beings. This is because when we think we know a person, we don't have all the facts. But seeing them act in a way that seems out of character at first helps us get to know them even better, and this is fun. Your fellow players or readers will be able to experience that thrill if your character possesses these elements as well.
