Character Backstory – 25 Examples You Can Use for Your Next Campaign

One of the most exciting parts of creating a new character for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign is coming up with their backstory. This is the history and experiences that have shaped your character and made them who they are. A well-crafted backstory can add depth and complexity to your character, making them feel more real and relatable to both you and the other players.

But coming up with a unique and interesting backstory can be challenging. You want your character to stand out from the crowd, but you don’t want to rely on clichés or stereotypes. Here are some unique examples of character backstory that you can use for inspiration in your next D&D campaign:

1. The orphaned prince:

   • Your character was the youngest child of the royal family, but they were orphaned at a young age when their parents were killed in a political coup. They were taken in by a kind-hearted noble who raised them as their own, but they never forgot their royal heritage. As they grew older, they became determined to reclaim their rightful place on the throne and bring justice to those who betrayed their family.

2. The runaway slave:

   • Your character was born into slavery and grew up on a plantation, working long hours in the fields. They never knew freedom or happiness, until one day they decided they couldn’t take it anymore and ran away. They’ve been living on the run ever since, using their wits and cunning to survive and avoid being caught. They join the party as a way to make a new life for themselves and maybe even find a way to free other slaves.

3. The former soldier:

   • Your character was once a member of a powerful military organization, but they left after a traumatic event that left them disillusioned with the life of a soldier. They’ve been wandering the land ever since, trying to find their place in the world and make amends for the mistakes they made in the past. They join the party as a way to find purpose and maybe even redeem themselves.

4. The cursed noble:

   • Your character comes from a wealthy and influential family, but they were cursed at a young age by a vengeful sorceress. The curse causes them to transform into a monstrous creature at night, and they must keep their condition a secret at all costs. They join the party as a way to find a cure for their curse and maybe even get revenge on the sorceress who cursed them.

5. The reformed criminal:

   • Your character was once a member of a notorious thieves’ guild, but they decided to turn over a new leaf and use their skills for good. They’ve been trying to atone for their past mistakes, but their reputation as a criminal follows them wherever they go. They join the party as a way to prove that they can be a hero and maybe even find redemption.

6. The chosen one:

   • Your character was born with a special gift or destiny, and they’ve been preparing for it their entire life. They’ve trained in a particular skill or craft, and they believe that they are meant for greatness. They join the party as a way to fulfill their destiny and maybe even save the world.

7. The exile:

   • Your character was forced to leave their home and loved ones due to a misunderstanding or a crime they didn’t commit. They’ve been living in exile ever since, trying to clear their name and make a new life for themselves. They join the party as a way to find a way back home and maybe even restore their reputation.

8. The amnesiac:

   • Your character woke up one day with no memory of their past or how they got where they are. They’ve been trying to piece together their past and figure out who they are, and they join the party as a way to find answers and maybe even restore their memory. They may have scars, tattoos, or other clues that hint at their past, and they may have certain skills or abilities that suggest a particular background. As they journey with the party, they may start to uncover clues about their past and eventually discover their true identity.

9. The survivor:

   • Your character has lived through a catastrophic event that left them scarred and traumatized, but they’ve managed to persevere through sheer will and determination. They’ve been wandering the land, trying to find a place where they belong and maybe even find some sense of closure. They join the party as a way to find a new purpose and maybe even help others who have experienced similar tragedies.

10. The former cultist:

    • Your character was once a member of a dangerous and secretive cult, but they managed to escape and renounce their old ways. They’ve been trying to atone for their past mistakes and make amends for the harm they caused. They join the party as a way to find redemption and maybe even help prevent others from falling into the same trap.

11. The displaced outsider:

    • Your character comes from a different plane of existence or a faraway land, and they’ve been struggling to adapt to the strange and unfamiliar world they find themselves in. They join the party as a way to find a place where they belong and maybe even learn more about this new world.

12. The time traveler:

    • Your character has the ability to travel through time, either through magical means or some sort of technological device. They’ve been using this ability to right wrongs and prevent disasters, but they’ve also encountered some unforeseen consequences and paradoxes along the way. They join the party as a way to continue their mission and maybe even find a way to control their powers.

13. The chosen one’s sidekick:

    • Your character has always been in the shadow of the chosen one, either as their loyal friend or their bitter rival. They’ve been trying to prove themselves and maybe even surpass the chosen one, but they’ve always been overshadowed by their greater destiny. They join the party as a way to prove their worth and maybe even find their own destiny.

14. The shape-shifter:

    • Your character has the ability to transform into different animals or creatures, either through natural means or magical powers. They’ve been using this ability to survive and adapt to different environments, but they’ve also had to keep their true identity a secret. They join the party as a way to find acceptance and maybe even find others like themselves.

15. The reincarnated hero:

    • Your character has lived many lives, each one ending in tragedy or defeat. But they’ve always been reborn, determined to learn from their past mistakes and try again. They join the party as a way to continue their quest for redemption and maybe even find a way to break the cycle of reincarnation.

16. The reanimated corpse:

    • Your character was once a powerful warrior or wizard, but they met an untimely demise. They were brought back to life through some sort of dark magic or necromancy, but they’ve been struggling to come to terms with their new existence. They join the party as a way to find a purpose and maybe even find a way to fully restore their life.

17. The lost heir:

    • Your character is the rightful heir to a powerful throne or kingdom, but they were separated from their family at a young age and have been living in hiding ever since. They’ve been waiting for the opportunity to reclaim their rightful place, and they join the party as a way to gather allies and resources for their eventual return.

18. The victim of a prophecy:

    • Your character was born under a prophecy that foretells of their greatness or their doom, and they’ve been struggling to live up to (or avoid) this destiny. They join the party as a way to find out more about their prophecy and maybe even change their fate.

19. The ex-adventurer:

    • Your character was once a member of a successful adventuring party, but they left to pursue a different path. They’ve been living a quiet life, but they miss the excitement and purpose of adventuring. They join the party as a way to get back in the game and maybe even reconnect with old friends.

20. The outcast:

    • Your character belongs to a marginalized or discriminated group, and they’ve been struggling to find acceptance and belonging. They join the party as a way to find a place where they are welcomed and maybe even find allies who share their struggles.

21. The former prisoner:

    • Your character was once imprisoned for a crime they didn’t commit, and they’ve been trying to clear their name and find justice ever since. They join the party as a way to gather evidence and maybe even get revenge on their enemies.

22. The abandoned child:

    • Your character was abandoned at a young age and left to fend for themselves on the streets. They’ve learned to survive through cunning and resourcefulness, but they’ve always longed for a sense of belonging. They join the party as a way to find a place where they fit in and maybe even find a new family.

23. The long-lost relative:

    • Your character has recently discovered that they are related to a powerful or influential figure, and they’ve been trying to prove their worth and earn their respect. They join the party as a way to prove themselves and maybe even gain access to their family’s resources.

24. The cursed object:

    • Your character is an animate object that has been cursed to walk the land, searching for a way to break the curse. They join the party as a way to gather information and maybe even find a way to restore their original form.

25. The former demon:

    • Your character was once a powerful demon, but they renounced their evil ways and pledged to use their powers for good. They’ve been trying to atone for their past mistakes and find a place in the mortal world, and they join the party as a way to continue their redemption journey.

Creating a unique and interesting backstory for your D&D character can take some time and effort, but it’s well worth it. A well-crafted backstory can add depth and complexity to your character, making them feel more real and relatable to both you and the other players. So take your time, get creative, and have fun coming up with a unique and interesting backstory for your next D&D character!