A 'backpack' in storytelling is when the narrator reveals their plan or hope in advance, loading the audience with emotional investment in that plan's success, so that when the plan fails or succeeds unexpectedly, the audience feels the surprise intensely because they've been mentally primed to expect a different outcome.
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Matthew DicksEvidence Quote
“Backpacks are the idea that often times we're telling an audience what our plan is and then we're going to tell them the results of the plan, but we want them to sort of be loaded up with our hopes and dreams along the way.”
Created: 8/10/2026, 11:05:43 PM
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