backstory

or back sto·ry

[ bak-stawr-ee, ‑-stohr-ee ]

noun

, plural back·sto·ries.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backstory¹

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

Example Sentences

The TV version of this character has more attributes, in part because Yu says Bennet made him ponder questions about the character’s backstory.

From Los Angeles Times

His backstory and motivations are elusive, but in this version there’s a stronger sense of why.

From Los Angeles Times

Even from the first script, Milioti could sense that there was a lot to mine from Sofia, despite not knowing her full backstory.

From Los Angeles Times

These channels, which come from all over the world, are like that, but without the sentimental backstories.

From Los Angeles Times

If these teams seem to get along unusually well, there’s a backstory to the warmth.

From Los Angeles Times