backstory

American  

[bak-stawr-ee, ‑-stohr-ee] / ˈbækˌstɔr i, ‑ˌstoʊr i /

Or back story

noun

plural

backstories

1. a narrative providing a history or background context, especially for a character or situation in a literary work, film, or dramatic series.

2. prequel.

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Etymology

Origin of backstory

1980–85; back ¹ ( def. ) + story ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Like George, Mrs Mansfield also has a remarkable backstory going back decades.

From BBC

Delve into the backstories of instantly recognizable handbags, including the Hermès Birkin, Loewe Puzzle and Dior’s Lady Dior.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now we learn his backstory in the Apple TV+ special “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then, when identical brothers Smoke and Stack came calling, Jordan rented a house in Ojai and began excavating the twins’ backstories with help from longtime dialect coach Beth McGuire.

From Los Angeles Times

Why this story stuck with me: I enjoyed getting the backstory of this unusual mural.

From Los Angeles Times