For every character there needs to be a back story. Each back story is different, but is usually powerful and filled with emotion. In the situations of heroes, as well as villains, something powerful has to happen, something life altering. For heroes with super powers, the back story usually also shows how they came into their powers and/or how they tried to hone their powers.

Typical back stories of most characters include the death of a loved one or friend. Such examples include Batman, The Punisher, Spider-Man, The Crow, Ghost Rider, etc. While the death of the loved one is a strong example, it has to be by someone and not by accident or old age. Being murdered usually is a good motivator in allowing someone to pursue the option of being a hero.Usually around when the hero discovers their power, on occasion the hero will screw around with his or her power and, as a result, someone they care for will get hurt. This creates a paradigm shift, making them realize that their power is needed for the greater good, without the loss they generally become villains . The paradigm shift creates an inner turmoil necessary allowing the hero to fight. In the case of Batman he has a compulsion to fight for good because his parents died, but, contrary to the movies, he never discovered who the murderer was so he keeps fighting thinking the next person he fights is their killer. In a manner of speaking, crime fighting is almost cathartic for him. In certain occasions it can also lead to villainy, but we will get more into that when we cover personas.

When people come into powers there are at least three different categories as to how they receive their power. Even silly heroes have a back story.

• Science
  • Accidental (I.e. Spider-Man)
  • Intentional (I.e. Captain America)
• Magic
  • Object (I.e. Green Lantern)
  • Ethereal (I.e. Ghost Rider)
  • Folk-Lore/Unknown (I.e. The Crow)
• Birth
  • Human with genetic mutation(I.e. X-Men)
  • Alien on other planet (I.e. Martian Man-Hunter)
  • Alien on Earth from another planet (I.e. Superman)
  • Non-Human/Non-Alien being (I.e. Thor)

All are well and good, as long as a decent back story is thought up. A few ways to go about this are interesting. Depending on where you go you may use either your notebook or notepad and a pencil. This can either be done at home, but can be better done in public.

1. Go out to a public setting
2. Look at everyone surrounding you, but more importantly look at people having fights or disagreements
3. Focus on what they are saying and amplify it in order to apply it to the setting. (mind you, not all disagreements are worth writing about)

If you decide to staying at home:

1. Pour over old high school year books while listening to music you listened to you back then, allowing yourself to feel as you did back then
2. Imagine explaining yourself to someone as if you had the power your character does.

Remember: Having power is difficult have and can be difficult to explain. Work slowly, but thoughtfully.