Backstories: Necessary or Not?

The practice of providing backstories for popular characters has become prevalent in contemporary literature and entertainment, driven by both reader demand and author supply. While backstories can enhance character development, some argue that they can be unnecessary or even detrimental to the original story. Critics point to examples of poorly conceived or irrelevant backstories, such as the recent portrayal of Perry Mason on television. Additionally, excessive creative license in adapting classic works, such as Agatha Christie’s novels, has sparked backlash from fans and scholars. While some defend such changes as necessary for modern audiences, others question the need for such drastic alterations.

Scroll to Top