Leaderboard

Yes. I fully agree. And sarcasm and snark are wonderful in almost any circumstances. "I'm too young to die in jail!" "I'm too old to listen to whiners." "But we're stuck here!" "No...but if you don't stop whining, I'll leave you here. It takes two to tango, but only one to run." "Jeez, Char. B, that's a bit harsh, don't you think?" "Doubtful. Char. C's twittering has me looking around for birds." "And the rest of us?" "Let's get the flock out of here." Hints and layered meanings are a favorite of mine, too. And, like you, I love works that make people reread to catch all the meanings--both as a writer and as a reader. Exactly. Yes. Words to the wise...or at least, those wise enough to pay heed, hm?

Exactly. If for some reason you have to introduce a skill not long before the skill has to be used, it's better to not do it by having the skill-possessing character mention it out of the blue. (There are exceptions, of course. Can be humorous if done well, especially if followed up by a deadpan snarker along the lines of 'anything else you should have told us about before?', but it's just as easy to do it wrong.) Perhaps my favorite way is dropping some small hints here-and-there a bit earlier, simple sentences that don't necessarily attract attention but that do hint at the skill (at the very least, hint at it in hindsight), however, that's not always possible - especially when earlier chapters/books/episodes/cartoons/name-media-form-here have already been released. When not possible, I agree that the ways you mentioned would work very well. Or have it be a skill closely linked to one the readers already know the character possesses. (Say, you have a character that has a lot of experience with potions. It wouldn't be much of an issue to reveal they also have knowledge about poisons. Or, like you said, picking pockets and picking locks.) Though basically, I guess this all comes down to, "before you tie your plot into a nice pretzel-shape, at least have a clue how to get it straight again". It's difficult to pull something off as anything else than an Ass Pull when it is an Ass Pull. (Also, I apologize for using tvtropes terminology. )

I agree with you there, Cuzosu. I also prefer only having the history of a character explained as it comes up, or as it is important, etc. However, it takes skill to do that well - it can easily come across as handwaving or cheating or a cop-out if a writer suddenly reveals to the readers that, because of this or that, Character knows a handy skill just at the appropriate time for that to be revealed. "Nah, we're not going to rot in this dungeon forever, Char. A. Did I never tell you that I, Char. B, am a lock-picking expert because of my time spent with the Thieves' Guild? What do you mean, "Did you spend time with the Thieves' Guild? I never knew that!"?" Three chapters later, "Gimme that bow, Char B. I know he's still [incredible distance] away, but I've hit targets from further than that! You... you didn't know? Oh, right... before your time. Still got the skill, though. Practice daily. Yes, you've never seen me - I practice stealth and marksmanship at the same time."

"Natural" responses are a boon I am forever thankful for. Hm...I hadn't considered it from that angle before. My own reasons are to explore the depths of whatever character(s) I am writing. Emotionally more than physically. I think each character has a different rapport with his/hers/its respective creator/manipulator. Most of the ones I deal with either try to bribe me, persuade me to join them in ganging up on another unfortunate character, or (as my group from The Were King's Heir do) playfully pounce on me to give me significant looks and/or snarl at me. Could be, could be....

Yup. Nothing like growing up around people who make you think, "I should have said that!" after the fact to make your mind quick on the retort. Of course, it does make for better dialogue. Better back story, however, takes yet more practice. Or a family/personal tendency for pouncing on stories. I've read some back stories on characters that I found...lacking. I'll be kind and leave it at that. Ah, see, I knew we got along for a reason! (Or more than one. )

I wish I could like that post more than once. Yeah, or complete, furious rage. Anger can result in sarcasm. Rage so bad a character is willing to torture another character to death is usually not a fitting moment for a dry remark. Most of those who can't tell the difference between sarcasm and whining are also those who can't tell the difference between descriptive and purple prose or between witty and boring. (-cough- Hey, those sound like key-characteristics of Sue-writers... how surprising-cough-) Aw, thanks for the compliment.

*bows* Tongue in cheek. I write some really dry and/or snide bits off the top of my head sometimes. This makes me no less glad that you enjoyed it, though. Yes, it's a bit much when a writer misjudges the situation and throws snark in where there ought to be sorrow or some other such emotion. And anyone who can't tell the difference between sarcasm and whining needs a lesson in writing. Author's circle, anyone? Great minds think alike. Touche.

You had me smirk at that bit of dialogue, Cuzosu. I agree, sarcasm and snark are wonderful in almost any circumstances. Pity that there are some people out there who apparently never got the key-word: almost. (That, and people who confuse 'sarcasm' with 'whine'). I like it as a writer, because I know it gives my characters backstories and a past without me having to info-dump. I like it as a reader, because it means someone actually thought about their story and what way they want to write it - means they've put in effort. Ah... but is wisdom not exactly that anyway? Paying heed to life's lessons, I mean.

A valid point, Silenia. Timing and phrasing are very important when introducing skills. If the skill is going to be used shortly, the best three options (in my opinion) are: to have another character present who already knows about said skill. This character would, at the appropriate time, presumably say something like, "Hey, you still practice that like you used to?" flashbacks. Show a scene where the character was using the skill and so would think of it and act without prompting. to have the main character (or another character, if you'd rather) see the skill being practiced in secret. This person can then bring it up as needed. Of course, there's always the option of having the person seen/caught using a different skill that can lead to being asked about the skill needed. "So, Char. B. I saw you picking pockets the other day. You, uh...pick locks, too, by any chance?" Or, for that matter, wearing something that could be considered a tell-tale sign. "Char. A, you wear arm guards. Do you use knives or am I lucky enough to be on the run with an archer who can pick our enemies off at a distance?" "Char. C, you've got calluses like a sword master. If I steal a sword, would you fight with it?"

I found the one where Neville is an Oak tree. It is in 2 main parts and an Epilogue... It is called BRoken Mind, Fractured Soul by SensiblyTainted on Fanfiction. It is a really good story if you have a chance to read it.

The main thing I try to remember about back story on characters is that, apart from the main characters, I'm probably never going to know their entire past. I don't want to. I have enough details floating around in my head; I don't need that many more to add to my problems. Also, leaving some details unknown allows for "treats" to give to the readers later, kind of like throwing a dog a bone. Besides, mysterious characters are often a lure, too. The style I like most, as a reader and as a writer, is to only explain the history of a given character as it comes up...except in special cases, such as when using foreshadowing, where there's typically a flashback or a dream to hint at what lies ahead. As a writer, I don't like putting all the info on any character's past into only the first few chapters; it's an info dump...and most readers won't remember at least a good portion of the information.