A "backstory" is simply all the significant events that have happened in your character's life up to the point that you start roleplaying that character. Backstories do not have to be fancy, extraordinary, or "special," in fact, it's usually better for cooperative roleplay if they are not.

This bears repeating: your character does not have to have ten pages of angst-ridden backstory in order to be interesting. If a really amazing backstory comes to you, feel free to use it, because let's face it, writing backstory is fun. But remember that the goal of cooperative RP is to be interesting to OTHER people. And most people honestly don't care about your backstory. There are very few backstories that can't be thoroughly revealed in one night... and then what are you left with? Your character's personality (his diamond!) is what will draw others to him and keep them there in the long term. So put most of your efforts into that, and save the backstory for a fun little "after dinner mint."

Cardinal rules of backstory:

  1. K.I.S.S. Make it as simple as possible. You can play a truly fascinating character with little more backstory than "I grew up on a farm and decided to become a warrior when I came of age." On our Warcraft race pages we have examples of "generic" Warcraft backstories for those who are new to World of Warcraft and/or don't want to be bothered inventing a history - but they work for veterans too! A simple, easily understood backstory will give you "common ground" with other characters to bond you together. Making your character too bizarre or "super-special" more often alienates others than impresses them. I repeat, your backstory is NOT what makes your character special. Also, please avoid the "backstory groaners" that are so commonly seen in MMORPGs.
  2. Don't tell anyone. Not to be cruel, but... people don't care. Especially not when they first meet you. The backstory is for your private use, to give you a sense of where your character comes from and what context he might have for interpreting what happens in the present. It's also the kind of thing people will ask you about as they become more interested in you - but until they ask, keep it zipped. One of the most common bad "newbie habits" is lecturing every one you meet at a tavern with the long sordid story of your past on a first meeting. Would you do that in real life? (If so, remind me not to invite you to my next party.)
  3. Keep it consistent. Write it down if you have to. Don't punish those who are paying careful attention by changing your background as the whim strikes you. Just pick something simple and stick with it. It's okay to embellish and add detail as you go, but don't change things. Make note of anything you tell someone - because they may remember! Furthermore, keep your backstory consistent with the history and events of the world. If you don't know game lore yet, just use a generic backstory until you do - then you can try something fancier with your next character.

Congratulations! You've now created a unique and memorable character! Pick a server, make an entry for him on the Call Sheet, and let the roleplay begin!

Go back to Step 4: Flesh It Out