Class

The Art of Backstory in Fiction: Create Dynamic Characters Through Their Past

Understanding your characters' past can help you develop their motivations (why they want what they want) and solve plot problems (what they do next). In this class, we'll review craft techniques for developing effective backstory, and we'll review excerpts of published works to illustrate how authors weave backstory into the narrative.

In the Art of Backstory, we'll look at ways to help you incorporate backstory subtly and effectively, and help you learn more about your protagonist’s relationships with other characters and how they inform backstory. Then we’ll put this into practice with writing prompts. By the end of class, you'll be able to use your characters’ past to provide context to their present, understand their protagonist's internal and external motivation, and increase suspense by using past events to create expectations of future developments -- all without slowing the momentum of your story.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.