origin story

[ awr-i-jin stawr-ee, or-i-jin ]

noun

1. a backstory, or established background narrative, that informs the identity and motivations of heroes and villains in a comic book or similar fictional work:

   The superhero’s origin story begins with a tragic accident that left him scarred, but also resulted in his supernatural powers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of origin story¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The film is an adaptation of the stage musical which tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.

From BBC

But for a unique stage show with a singular origin story, it might just be the right prescription.

From Los Angeles Times

The origin story is actually really great, because it is one of many examples in my life of manifestation.

From Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, “The Apprentice” is a cautionary tale as much as it is an origin story.

From Salon

But it’s Young Joan who fills us in on the comic’s origin story.

From Los Angeles Times