https://chat.openai.com/ provided this help in its #3 suggestion.
3. “Flashbacks and backstories: Provide insights into Jackson’s military experiences or Jane’s past through flashbacks or backstory scenes. This will help the reader better understand the characters’ motivations and behaviors.”
There is almost too much information in both Jackson’s and Jane’s history. First, for Jane, we just can’t dump all of her history on the reader. However, as she reveals what her marriage entailed in little dribs and drabs, it will make the reader wonder if there is any future for romance. We know that her ex is a bully and physically abused her. For example, they might be outside enjoying the evening when Jackson swats a mosquito, and he sees her flinch. Both reader and Jackson can draw their own conclusions. If we include other little things, the depth of her ex’s abuse will become clear.
Jackson’s past does not have anything as horrific as what Jane experienced, or does he…? My first thought is he will have difficulty adjusting to civilian life. If we decide Jackson had seen combat, then the flash of the sun off a car’s windshield or a loud noise could produce an automatic unwanted response. He might also have PTSD. As I said earlier, trying to adjust to civilian life and wanting to help Jane with her past is all I would burden Jackson with. You, on the other hand, might want to write about two damaged people trying to find love. You’re the author. It’s up to you.
