Characters personalities & backgrounds

[Alex]

I have to know. Is it better to give a profile explaining the MC's background when he is introduced into the story, or have it show as the story progresses?

 

[Steerpike]

Have it show as the story progresses. And only present what is necessary. If you try to put all of that into your story as soon as the character is introduced, you'll likely end up with an infodump.

 

[Alex]

Yeah, so at the beginning present a little to have the reader understand what's going on, but not every little detail. Got it, thanks

 

[Steerpike]

Yeah, so at the beginning present a little to have the reader understand what's going on, but not every little detail. Got it, thanks

Yeah, that's my choice. I've seen it done the other way (where the author just dumps the info out there), but not often in a manner that worked well for me.

 

[Aegrus]

I usually show a little at the beginning, and characters may talk about their pasts later in the book, but for the most part, I prefer the character to be presented over the course of the book.

 

[Ravana]

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.…"

Next question.

 

[sashamerideth]

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.…"

Next question.

In the middle of the earth in the land of the Shire
lives a brave little hobbit whom we all admire.
With his long wooden pipe,
fuzzy, woolly toes,
he lives in a hobbit-hole and everybody knows him

Nimoy sings Bilbo Baggins - YouTube