backstory
noun
a narrative providing a history or background context, especially for a character or situation in a literary work, film, or dramatic series.
backstories
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pluralof backstory.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His script is richly layered with character details and heartwrenching backstories that encourage the viewer to go deeper, to spend time analyzing their own discomfort.
From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026
Eleri said her work had enabled her to travel the UK and meet "so many amazing fellow shirt sellers, people with so many interesting backstories".
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
What’s a bit befuddling is how “All Her Fault” introduces major elements of its characters’ backstories far later than seems fair on the part of the storytellers, or judicious on the part of the parents.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2025
LeFranc’s backstories fed the idea that everyone is the hero of their own story.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2025
We create entire backstories, including betrayals, missing parents—the works.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
