All writers seem to be tempted at one time or another to include in their stories the history of their main characters.  In writer jargon this is known as backstory.

DON’T!

Start on the day that is different, in the middle of a tense conflict if at all possible.  This advice goes as far back as Aristotle who said a story should start “in the midst of things.”

Should you, the author, know backstory for your characters? Absolutely.  Just don’t tell the reader.  You see, that backstory could easily be a pivotal point in your tale, the secret that shocks the heck out of us.