I am currently working on a dark comedy series, and one of my characters back story hasn't really been brought to light. I'm already in the process of the 3rd episode and want to show more about her past because it's what shaped who she is. Is it necessary to show this in small flashback throughout the rest of the season, or is it best to just mention her past through word of mouth during present time?
Screenwriting : How important are flashbacks? by Bryan Blasingame
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Either is a valid option. Whichever you choose, avoid exposition dumps and make sure it has a purpose in the episode other than rote information. And what would happen if you never shared her background?
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It worked for LOST, Breaking Bad, and probably hundreds of great TV shows. Bob Newhart finale ended out of a flashback/dream.
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What would work best for your style of show.
They are both tools. Tools in the right hands can make art.
Perhaps a full episode about their past. There is no wrong answer.
How important are flashbacks? How long is a piece of string? It's all about context, how they're used. They can either be of little or great importance.
That said, I would always advise a writer to exhaust other possibilities of conveying a past story detail that's relevant to the present as it's VERY easy for a flashback to be uninspired, lazy and hackneyed.
In my opinion, they're very tricky. If they don't truly serve -don't use it. Flashbacks are often overused by developing writers. Make sure if you use it that it really gives a punch and payoff dramatically.
you could do either, or you could combine them. in my writing i've had a character describe something that happened to them to other characters. when #TheCasebookOfElishaGrey is optioned, i would think a passage like this would be also a flashback with the character's voice over narration. It really has to be about letting the characters tell their story, and how that would translate to visual medium, in my view. Use sparingly.