Info Dump Question

Red_Dahlia · Feb 8, 2009

Hopefully this is the right place to ask this question...

From what I've read on these boards, I've gathered that an info dump is either a long passage giving details on backstory, or a conversation between two people who already know the information. What if your character genuinely doesn't know the information? Would it still count as an infodump?

For instance, my MC is drafted into a secret organization that she knows nothing about. Because of this, people in the organization have to keep filling her in on what they are doing and why they are doing it. I've been trying to have people dole out the information to her on a "need to know" basis, so it's not an information overload, but I'm just wondering if I'm using the correct approach.

Do y'all have any tips or suggestions of books that handled this well?

Thanks so much

nayner · Feb 8, 2009

if you're dropping helpful info on a "need to know" basis than it sounds like it should be fine.

I've found that it also helps to not just "dump" it. Don't have someone prattle on and on about need-to-know stuff. Have the MC react to and analyze the information, so it's interesting to the reader.

You should probably just do your best in whatever draft you're writing now, and than hand it off to some beta readers. Hey, maybe even post some of your "info dump" sections in the SYW boards here and get some outside feedback.

kuwisdelu · Feb 8, 2009

Red_Dahlia said:
I've been trying to have people dole out the information to her on a "need to know" basis, so it's not an information overload, but I'm just wondering if I'm using the correct approach.

That sounds just right.

dpaterso · Feb 8, 2009

Yep, as long as it's interesting for both your character and your reader, and relevant to the story, shouldn't be a problem.

As an aside, this is a scenario where I'd maybe pay attention to page numbers... if an explanation takes more than one page, I'd look at it again in case there's something I could trim, or postpone till later. Plants and payoffs can be more effective than straight exposition. In other words don't just dole out the info, tickle reader curiosity too.

-Derek

Danthia · Feb 9, 2009

Info dump is really any big chunk of info that stops the story cold and bores the reader. Even info that's new and unknown to one character can still do this if the reader doesn't care about the info being revealed. What you want to do is make sure you keep your story moving and keep revealing new things to your reader that will keep them hooked.

Mixing the info in with the action usually works to keeps things moving, but it's also okay to give them more info -- and a big IF here -- IF it's something they really want to know. For example, if you've teased them with a big secret or past of a character and then finally get around to telling the whole story. You can technically "info dump" in that instance, but readers won't care if they're dying to know the info.

scarletpeaches · Feb 9, 2009

I'd say an info-dump is more likely to occur when a writer doesn't want to waste research they've done or kill their darlings. They just blurt out all the information that neither the character nor the reader needs to know but dammit, they're gonna put it in anyway!

RJK · Feb 9, 2009

Another thing to remember is you, as the writer need to know more about the backstory and the technical details than the reader does. Just because youu spent lots of time researching and creating the background, doesn't mean the reader wants to, or needs to know about it.

ETA: our posts crossed Scarlet

neener · Feb 9, 2009

What I've tried to do is keep my character and reader in mind. What do they need right now? As a reader, there often comes a point where I want the info dump--as long as it is skillfully done and doesn't feel to dump-y. You can only keep readers in the dark about how a world works for so long...you have to dole out information at some point. I agree with what has been posted, be careful how long a section you're devoting to it. I've got several different parts in my novel where different characters reach a crucial need-to-know point. They are organic to the story and I've kept the explanations down to what the character would be naturally told/interested in.

Liosse de Velishaf · Feb 9, 2009

Info-dumping is often the result of the writer using a certain structure of plot. I know the point of this thread isn't to discuss your plot, so I'll just leave the general comment: The plot you have chosen necessitates a certain amount of info-dumping. There's just no other way to give both the reader and the character the information necessary for the plot to function properly. "Need-to-know" is a very broad term that could mean anything from "nothing" to "everything". The best you can do is to find ways to minimize that range.

It's not necessarily the reader's knowledge that is a problem in a situation like this. The reader, as others have said, can get along just fine on a much smaller amount of information. The real issue is whether or not you can convince the reader that the character knows enough for the plot to fly.

Red_Dahlia · Feb 9, 2009

Thanks for the help guys. At least now I know I have the right idea, and know some of the things to watch out for.

nayner said:
I've found that it also helps to not just "dump" it. Don't have someone prattle on and on about need-to-know stuff. Have the MC react to and analyze the information, so it's interesting to the reader.

This was really helpful. One of my characters is very fond of monologuing, and could easily rattle on for five pages every time he opens his mouth. Fortunately, my other characters seem to enjoy cutting him off....

Liosse de Velishaf said:
It's not necessarily the reader's knowledge that is a problem in a situation like this. The reader, as others have said, can get along just fine on a much smaller amount of information. The real issue is whether or not you can convince the reader that the character knows enough for the plot to fly.

That will be the truly tricky part, and I suppose I'll have a hard time seeing it for myself. But I guess that's why it's useful to have beta readers

Info Dump Question

Red_Dahlia

nayner

Needs more sleep.

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Danthia

scarletpeaches

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

neener

Cleaning is overrated

Liosse de Velishaf

Red_Dahlia