How to Go Beyond Info-Dumping
No matter if you’re writing a fantasy, sci-fi, or contemporary novel, there is backstory to consider. What has happened before the book starts? That leads us to a common writing fear: dumping a character’s entire history on the reader all at once.
If you’re not already aware, “info-dumping” is a static block of information that stalls the narrative. Yes, the reader needs to know information, but we don’t want to open a firehose and blast them with it! This blog will talk about how to reveal the backstory in a way that adds the depth you’re looking for without slowing down the plot.
Let’s get into it.
Show, Don’t Tell
I know, I know. If there was a drinking game every time an editor told a writer to show don’t tell, even Hemingway would probably want to take a break. But it’s repeated because it’s important. Suppose you have a character who is a war veteran. You don’t have to say explicitly they’re a war veteran. You could show it via a specific reaction to a loud noise, or a particular skill they have. Readers aren’t dumb. Don’t treat them like they are.
Use Dialogue
Okay, this can be a tricky one, because dialogue is literally telling. You just have to use dialogue in such a way that is telling organically. You can have a character mentioning a past event that’s relevant to a current one that shows their why, or their past trauma. I’m sure you’ve seen it in your own life. Maybe someone can’t drink a certain alcoholic beverage because an old partner drank that and went on an abusive tirade.
The set-up: Jill and Stacey are at a restaurant.
Jill: Oh, they have [beverage.] I can’t remember the last time I had one!
Stacey: I can. I can’t smell it without thinking—
Jill: Of him. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.
Use Action and Character Habits
What happens in our past impacts our current behaviour.
· If someone lives in a bad neighbourhood, they’ll get used to locking their deadbolt all the time, even if they move away from that neighbourhood.
· If someone got into a bad car accident, they might avoid getting into cars; or they might avoid a specific route altogether.
When you include their action and habits, the backstory is part of the character, not a siloed addition.
You can see how you can add so much richness to your characters and your story by avoiding that info dump and adding backstory. Remember the reader is only seeing a moment in time for your characters. What happened to them before that first page is just as important because it informs their decisions throughout their journey.
