Back story
a narrative providing a history or background context, especially for a character or situation in a literary work, film, or dramatic series.
prequel.
Contemporary Examples
And he and I worked out how we were going to do the back story because the hair has to do something.
The ‘American Hustle’ Style Guide Erin Cunningham February 13, 2014
On Jerusalem, Laura Rozen of Al-Monitor has the back story here.
God and Jerusalem and “Rare” Michael Tomasky September 5, 2012
Howard Kurtz on the back story—and what it spells for Katie Couric.
Behind the CBS News Shakeup Howard Kurtz February 7, 2011
The back story here is that reporting on the details of competing budget proposals is monstrously boring.
The Gov’t’s Shutdown Sham Howard Kurtz March 1, 2011
The back story begins in 1989, when Brown won the chairmanship of the California Democratic Party.
Bubba vs. Moonbeam Joe Mathews October 14, 2010
The back story makes these spare, compelling performances all the more interesting.
New Dylan Recordings Unveiled Sean Wilentz August 23, 2010
noun
the events which take place before, and which help to bring about, the events portrayed in a film
n.
c.1990, from background story.
Read Also:
- Back straight
noun a straight part of a circuit, esp of an athletics track or a racecourse, furthest from the finishing point Contemporary Examples Soon he was on the medal stand, where he hopes to be again this summer, his back straight, his eyes clear. Hugh McCutcheon: U.S. Women’s Volleyball Team’s Silent Savior Tony Doukopil July 27, […]
- Backstrap loom
a simple horizontal loom, used especially in Central and South America, on which one of two beams holding the warp yarn is attached to a strap that passes across the weaver’s back. Historical Examples Narrow widths can be woven most rapidly on the backstrap loom. Chincha Plain-weave cloths Lila M. O’Neale
- Back street
a street apart from the main or business area of a town. taking place in secrecy and often illegally: back-street political maneuvering; back-street drug dealing. Historical Examples While she stood at the window, mechanically looking out, the dreary view of the back street trembled and disappeared. Heart and Science Wilkie Collins Then they crossed a […]
- Back stretch
the straight part of a race track opposite the part leading to the finish line. Historical Examples Up the back stretch they went, Zal with gigantic strides, still in front and Ovelando was going easily close up. History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 John Lawrence O’Connor Take them out at three-quarter gallop down the back […]
- Backstretch
the straight part of a race track opposite the part leading to the finish line. Contemporary Examples As the field thundered down the backstretch, Espinoza steered his horse out wide. Why California Chrome’s Fairy Tale Didn’t End Happily Ever After Michael Fensom June 7, 2014 Historical Examples Around the turn going into the backstretch, Worth […]