What does "backstory" refer to in the context of literature?

In literature, "backstory" refers to the background information about a character's history that shapes their motivations and actions within the current narrative. This foundational information often provides context for a character's decisions, personality traits, and relationships with other characters, enriching the reader's understanding of the story. By sharing elements of a character's past, authors can create depth and complexity, allowing readers to see how past experiences influence present behaviors and choices. This connection enhances the overall narrative and engages readers by making characters more relatable and their journeys more compelling.

The other options reference different literary elements: a narrative style focusing on dialogue does not capture the essence of backstory; the setting pertains to the time and place where a story unfolds, which is distinct from character history; and the climax represents a pivotal moment in the plot, not related to a character's background. Each of these elements plays a role in storytelling, but they do not convey the specific significance of backstory as correctly described.