How would you describe someone's back story in 2nd person?

Question

Hi! I'm currently planning out my next novel, which I've decided to write in 2nd person for certain reasons. I just realized today that, in the novel, a certain character's back story is quite important to the novel. However, since the book is in 2nd person, I'm at a loss for how to describe something that happened many years ago. Any help on the matter would be much appreciated. Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Hmm, let's see.

You were born in a small town outside of Toledo, Ohio.  The community was economically depressed, however your family was poorer than most.  But your parents did well to hide their impoverished state from you and your siblings, so you weren't aware that there was no money to be had.

Awful - why would you want to do this?  A novel in the 2nd person?  Do you see many (if any) novels in the 2nd person?  No?  Gosh, why not?  Maybe because it doesn't work!!!

If you're trying to write in 2nd person as a gimmick, then it would appear you don't have enough confidence in your writing abilities.  Gimmicks don't sell books.  Good writing, character development, story lines, etc., - this is what sells novels.  A poorly written novel with a gimmick will forever be a poorly written novel, and unpublished at that.

Answer 2

A second person novel would be vague on details. The point of a second person narration is to make the reader feel like the story is about him or her. I wouldn't get too caught up on backstory. That might alienate readers.

depending on what the story's like... towards the end you could switch to future tense. I think that'd be kinda cool... maybe that's just me.

Answer 3

I'm not sure why you would want to write in second person, as this tends to confuse the readers if you're not careful.

I would imagine you would develop the background about the same way as you would if you were writing in first person.  

Basically, first person is "I" whereas second person would be "You".

Answer 4

You remember that first day we spent in Central Park?  That was when you told me I was the second person you'd ever buggered.

Answer 5

say you suddenly remember something that happened many years ago... Or if that doesn't work for you, start the book there, and then skip to the present like this: It is a great day...         Ten years have past and once again, you experience a great day...

If this doesn't work, I would some how leave that info out