: Re: How do I know when and if a character requires a backstory? In my novel, at the point where the MC meets her would-be boyfriend, Rufus, I have added a small backstory about his job. Later

No one needs a back story.

Absolutely no one.

Not even the major or even main protagonists

Hermione (Harry Potter series): Her backstory is paper thin. Daughter of a muggle dentist. (very much doubt the author thought much beyond that)
Bilbo (lord of the rings) Hobbit from the Shire (very much doubt the author thought much beyond that)
Frodo (lord of the rings) Hobbit from the Shire (very much doubt the author thought much beyond that)
Even Sherlock Holmes barely had a back story. (very much doubt the author thought much beyond that)

My point is.. NO ONE NEEDS a backstory. Most villains are just bad guys. Period.

BUT a backstory is GOOD to have if

it is interesting (if not just leave it to the imagination of the readers)
it is applicable to the story
it is applicable to the development of the character.

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: ... an entire species in a fictional setting as outright evil - no matter how one treats them, they reward kindness with treachery and violence. This premise seems incomplete to me, and

@Welton431

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: Has anyone ever written a novel or short story composed of only dialogue? The participants describe everything needed for the story to continue, within the conversation. The environment, the emotions,

@Welton431

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: Doubt about the difference between a "Beat" and a "Event" My main source of research about storytelling/screenwriting/how-to-write-a-book manual is [1]. But, the definition of "beat" given by [1]

@Welton431

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: I suspect your problem is a lack of story. Sex can be central to your story, but what stories are about is generally a problem the protagonist is compelled (or feels compelled) to solve.

: Re: How do I know when and if a character requires a backstory? In my novel, at the point where the MC meets her would-be boyfriend, Rufus, I have added a small backstory about his job. Later

More posts by @Welton431

: ... an entire species in a fictional setting as outright evil - no matter how one treats them, they reward kindness with treachery and violence. This premise seems incomplete to me, and

: Has anyone ever written a novel or short story composed of only dialogue? The participants describe everything needed for the story to continue, within the conversation. The environment, the emotions,

: Doubt about the difference between a "Beat" and a "Event" My main source of research about storytelling/screenwriting/how-to-write-a-book manual is [1]. But, the definition of "beat" given by [1]

: I suspect your problem is a lack of story. Sex can be central to your story, but what stories are about is generally a problem the protagonist is compelled (or feels compelled) to solve.

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