One of the best ways to get player engagement, and keep it, is to give their characters a main part in the story. It’s simple enough to go rescue the Princess, but what if while doing that, the party discovers evidence that someone from one of the Party Member’s past is involved? Either in a beneficial way, or as an antagonist? How does this change, or even complicate the simple storyline of “rescue the Princess”? 

Even when the story revolves around only one of the Player Characters, it can help form a bond between the players as well as their characters. Your character doesn’t have to be the main character in the storyline, for you to be interested in solving the problem for another Party Member. Finding out secrets about the other members of the Party is one of the more fun parts of the game. 

Today we are going to look at exactly that. I will give you ways to incorporate a character’s back story into your game, with examples of how it can be done. Of course, your game will look nothing like this, but by seeing what can be done, and how to do it, hopefully you will be able to use these ideas in your own game, starting with: 

Personal Quests

Personal quests are a powerful way to engage players by tying their character’s personal history and goals into the campaign. These quests can range from a simple task to a complex series of missions that span multiple sessions. For instance, if a character has a backstory involving a missing sibling, the DM can create a questline where the player follows clues and faces challenges to find and rescue their sibling. This not only provides motivation for the character but also enriches the overall storyline. 

To implement personal quests effectively, start by discussing with the player what their character’s goals and unresolved issues are. Develop a series of events that build towards a climax that addresses these personal stakes. For example, a character who seeks revenge against a notorious criminal could uncover the criminal's location through a series of encounters and puzzles. Along the way, they might gain allies or face moral dilemmas that test their resolve and character development. 

Additionally, personal quests can be woven into the main campaign. If the main plot involves a corrupt noble, and a player’s backstory includes being wronged by this noble, the personal and main quests naturally intertwine. This dual focus keeps the player invested in both the overall story and their character’s journey, creating a richer, more immersive experience. 

Recurring NPCs

Recurring NPCs add depth and continuity to your campaign world. These characters, who have a history with the players, can reappear at crucial moments to provide assistance, present challenges, or reveal new information. For example, a childhood friend of a player character could show up as a merchant in a distant town, offering valuable resources and information about local events. 

Incorporate family members or loved ones as recurring NPCs to deepen emotional connections. A character’s sibling might appear, needing help with a crisis, or their former mentor could turn up with a vital piece of the puzzle they need to solve. These connections create personal stakes and make the world feel alive and interconnected. For instance, if a character’s backstory includes a strained relationship with their father, the DM can introduce the father as a recurring NPC who gradually reconciles with the character through shared adventures. 

Recurring NPCs also allow for long-term storytelling. An old rival might become a recurring villain, appearing to thwart the party’s plans and create personal vendettas. Over time, these interactions can lead to epic confrontations where the history between the character and the NPC adds layers of drama and intensity to the conflict.

Rivalries and Enemies

Introducing antagonists with personal ties to the characters can elevate the stakes of your campaign. These enemies might be old rivals, betrayed allies, or figures from the character’s past with a score to settle. For example, a rogue character might have a former guildmate who now works for the campaign’s main villain, leading to tense encounters and personal vendettas. 

To make these rivalries impactful, provide the enemy with motivations and depth. Instead of being a one-dimensional villain, this character might have a complex relationship with the player, including moments of camaraderie and betrayal. A wizard’s former apprentice, turned dark sorcerer, could challenge the player with knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses, creating a more intense and personal conflict. 

Additionally, rivalries can be used to explore character development. As the campaign progresses, the player might have opportunities to confront their enemy and address unresolved issues from their past. This could lead to dramatic scenes where the character must choose between revenge and redemption, further enriching the narrative and providing meaningful character growth. 

Allies and Mentors

Allies and mentors from a character’s backstory can provide guidance, support, and depth to the campaign. These characters can appear to offer crucial advice, help with difficult tasks, or provide emotional support. For example, a ranger’s old mentor might appear to teach the party new survival skills or help them navigate a dangerous forest. 

Mentors can also play a role in character development. They might challenge the character to grow, providing tests or wisdom that push the player to new heights. A monk’s former master could set them on a path of self-discovery, presenting philosophical challenges and quests that align with the character’s growth and goals. 

Allies can also serve as plot devices to introduce new story arcs or complications. A former ally might bring news of an impending threat or request help with a personal mission that ties into the broader campaign. This not only deepens the player’s connection to their character’s past but also seamlessly integrates backstory elements into the ongoing narrative. 

Story Hooks

Creating story hooks that tie into character backstories makes the campaign feel more personal and engaging. These hooks can be used to draw characters deeper into the main plot, making them feel like their personal stories are intertwined with the larger narrative. For instance, if a character’s backstory involves being wronged by a powerful noble, that noble could be a key antagonist in the main plot, giving the character a personal stake in the campaign’s outcome. 

To develop effective story hooks, work with your players to understand their characters’ motivations, goals, and unresolved issues. Use this information to create plot points that directly involve the characters. For example, if a character is searching for a lost artifact, that artifact could be crucial to defeating the campaign’s main villain, creating a natural and compelling reason for the character to be involved in the main quest. 

Additionally, story hooks can be used to introduce new plot threads that enrich the campaign. A mysterious letter from a character’s past might reveal hidden family secrets or new threats that need to be addressed. These hooks keep the narrative dynamic and ensure that the players remain invested in both their personal stories and the overarching plot.

Secrets and Revelations

Revealing hidden aspects of a character’s backstory during the campaign can add depth and excitement to the story. These secrets can be gradually uncovered through gameplay, creating moments of surprise and intrigue. For instance, a character might discover that they are the heir to a lost kingdom, or that their long-lost sibling is working for the enemy. 

To incorporate secrets effectively, plan out key moments where these revelations can occur. This could be through exploration, interactions with NPCs, or the discovery of ancient documents. For example, while exploring a forgotten temple, a character might find a mural depicting their family’s ancient lineage, hinting at their royal bloodline and setting up future plot points. 

Revelations can also be used to drive character development. As secrets from their past come to light, characters must confront their own identities and make choices that reflect their growth. This adds layers of complexity to the narrative and provides opportunities for dramatic role-playing and storytelling. 

Flashbacks and Dreams

Flashbacks and dreams are excellent tools for revealing important events from a character’s past and providing context for current events. These sequences can be used to foreshadow future developments or to highlight key moments in a character’s history. For instance, a character might have a recurring dream about a tragic event from their past that holds clues to a present-day mystery. 

To implement flashbacks and dreams, use them sparingly and at pivotal moments in the campaign. Ensure they are relevant to the current storyline and provide new insights or motivations for the character. For example, during a crucial battle, a warrior might flashback to their first training session with their now-deceased mentor, finding renewed strength and resolve. 

Dreams can also be used to introduce supernatural elements or prophetic visions. A character might receive a dream from a deity or mystical force, guiding them towards their destiny or warning them of impending danger. These elements add a layer of mysticism and intrigue to the campaign, enriching the narrative and deepening the connection to the character’s backstory. 

Locations of Significance

Including locations that are significant to a character’s backstory can make the game world feel more immersive and personal. These locations can be places where important events in the character’s past took place, such as their hometown, a battlefield where they fought, or a temple where they trained. Visiting these places can trigger memories and emotional responses, adding depth to the character’s experience. 

To incorporate significant locations, map out key points in your campaign world that align with the characters’ backstories. Plan encounters or events that take place in these locations, providing opportunities for characters to confront their past. For example, a paladin might return to the ruins of their old monastery, now overrun by dark forces, and must reclaim it as part of their redemption arc. 

These locations can also serve as plot devices. A character might need to return to their childhood village to seek an old mentor’s guidance, only to find it under threat from a new enemy. This not only ties the character’s past to the current storyline but also creates a sense of continuity and depth in the game world. 

Character-Specific Artifacts

Introducing magical items or artifacts that have personal significance to a character can add a unique and meaningful dimension to your campaign. These items can be tied to the character’s backstory, such as a family heirloom, a weapon used by their ancestors, or a lost relic they have been searching for. Finding or using these artifacts can provide personal quests and emotional moments. 

To incorporate character-specific artifacts, discuss with your players any significant items in their backstory. Plan how these items can be integrated into the campaign, either as rewards for completing personal quests or as key elements in the main plot. For example, a character searching for their family’s lost sword might discover it in the hoard of a dragon they must defeat. 

These artifacts can also have special powers or properties that are revealed over time. As the character grows and learns more about their heritage, the artifact could unlock new abilities or secrets. This provides a sense of progression and discovery, making the artifact a central part of the character’s journey. 

Or you could simply follow the J.R.R. Martin school of taking what is theirs by right, as Sam took his family sword, made of Valarian Steel. He knew they were likely to meet White Walkers, and that Valarian Steel was the best weapon to use against them, so he took his inheritance, even though he was not going to end up running the family holdings. 

Cultural and Societal Connections

Integrating elements of a character’s cultural or societal background into the game world can enrich the narrative and provide unique challenges or opportunities. This could involve including cultural festivals, societal norms, or historical events that are significant to the character. For example, a character from a nomadic tribe might encounter a festival celebrating their people’s history, providing opportunities for role-playing and cultural exploration. 

To incorporate these elements, work with your players to understand their character’s background and cultural heritage. Introduce elements of their culture into the campaign world, such as customs, traditions, and societal structures. For instance, a character from a matriarchal society might face challenges and opportunities that reflect their upbringing, providing a unique perspective and role-playing opportunities. 

These connections can also create plot hooks and conflicts. A character might be called upon to mediate a dispute within their community or protect their cultural heritage from external threats. This not only ties the character’s backstory into the campaign but also adds depth to the game world.

In-Game Journals and Letters

In-game journals and letters are excellent tools for revealing backstory elements and providing new plot threads. These documents can be found during exploration, received from NPCs, or even written by the characters themselves. They can contain information about the character’s past, clues to ongoing mysteries, or emotional messages from loved ones. 

To use journals and letters effectively, plan key moments where these documents can be introduced. For example, while exploring an ancient ruin, the party might find a journal detailing a character’s ancestor’s adventures, providing historical context and personal connection. Alternatively, a character might receive a letter from a family member, revealing a new threat or personal challenge they must face. 

Let’s say the Party is in a small town, getting ready to leave, having solved the problem that the town faced. Suddenly, without warning, a small gnome appears out of thin air in front of the Party and asks, “Which one of you is X?” The little man has no time or patience for lollygagging, and makes that clear should any member of the Party attempt to delay him. Once the proper member is identified and verified (by whatever means the DM likes) the gnome hands over a letter to that member and promptly disappears back into thin air. The letter is from a family member, and was delivered magically, due to the situation and the time constraints. 

These documents can also serve as plot devices, guiding the characters towards new quests or revealing hidden secrets. A letter from a long-lost friend might lead the party to a hidden treasure, while a journal entry could provide crucial information needed to solve a puzzle or defeat a powerful enemy. 

Player-Driven Plot Points

Encouraging players to suggest plot points or scenarios related to their backstories allows them to take an active role in shaping the campaign. This collaborative approach not only ensures that the story is meaningful to the players but also provides the DM with valuable insights into what the players find engaging and important. 

To incorporate player-driven plot points, regularly check in with your players and encourage them to share ideas and suggestions. Use these ideas to create story arcs and plot points that align with their backstories and goals. For example, a player might suggest that their character’s old nemesis has resurfaced, providing a new and exciting challenge for the party. 

This approach fosters a collaborative and dynamic storytelling environment, where players feel invested in the campaign’s direction. It also allows the DM to create more personalized and engaging storylines, ensuring that the game remains exciting and relevant to the players’ interests. 

Curses and Blessings

Introducing curses or blessings linked to a character’s backstory can add a layer of supernatural intrigue and challenge to the campaign. These elements can be tied to significant events or relationships in the character’s past, providing ongoing plot threads and personal stakes. For example, a character might be cursed by an ancient enemy or blessed by a deity for their family’s service. 

To incorporate curses and blessings, plan how these elements will impact the character and the overall story. A curse might present ongoing challenges that the character must overcome, such as weakened abilities or supernatural enemies. Conversely, a blessing could provide unique advantages or opportunities, such as divine guidance or enhanced powers. 

These elements can also be used to drive character development. A character might need to undertake a personal quest to lift a curse or fulfill a prophecy tied to their blessing. This not only adds depth to the character’s story but also creates opportunities for epic and meaningful adventures. 

Personal Growth and Transformation

Designing story arcs that focus on personal growth and transformation tied to backstory elements can create a profound and engaging narrative. These arcs should reflect the character’s journey, addressing unresolved issues and showcasing their development over time. For instance, a character seeking redemption for past mistakes might gradually earn forgiveness and prove their worth through heroic deeds. 

To create these story arcs, identify key moments in the character’s backstory that can serve as turning points. Plan events and challenges that force the character to confront their past and make meaningful choices. For example, a character who once betrayed their comrades might face a situation where they must choose between personal gain and the safety of their new allies. 

These arcs should culminate in significant moments of transformation, where the character’s growth is fully realized. This could be a climactic battle where the character overcomes their greatest fear, or a heartfelt reunion where they reconcile with a lost loved one. These moments provide emotional payoffs and create a sense of fulfillment and progression for both the character and the player. 

As the DM, you will need to get the backstories of your player’s characters. You will most likely need to work with them on fleshing those stories out, but one you have something you can use to tie the character into the plot, you don’t need to tell the player. When you surprise a player with something from their character’s past, the discovery itself, tends to draw the player in, and a good mystery will also tend to pull the other players along, wanting to see what happens. 

You don’t need to go from backstory to backstory. Use these as seasonings. They add to the flavor, unless you use too much, when they overpower what they were supposed to enhance. Find one player backstory to work with, then advance your storyline. You are likely to find player backstories pop up all over the place as possible plot hooks. Do each, as they naturally enter the plot and you should have no problem getting everyone at some point during the campaign.

Now it's your turn. Comment below what your favorite methods of incorporating backstories into your game are.