Originally Posted by
Kaun
If they are not big on pre-made backstory then just add some back story on the fly as the game progresses.
for example;
DM: As you are leaving the market a familiar voice calls out to (Player A) from the crowd, it's some one from your past....who?
Player A: What?
DM: Who is this person from your past?
Player A: What do you mean?
DM: What is this persons relationship to you, who are they?
Player A:... er.. an old friend?!?
DM: Excellent! Whats their name?
Player A: ... er ... Dave?
DM: Yes! its Dave your childhood friend! But you haven't seen him in since the Event! so... what was the even Player A?
Player A: er...i... i don't know... um... when Orc's attacked?
DM: Ahh yes! since the Orc warhost swept through your homeland! "(Player A)!" exclaims Dave, "I had heard that you were dead?!?" Dave looks genuinely pleased to see you....
and off you go from there.
You haven't tried to force them into sitting down and coming up with a solid background. They suddenly have a chunk of back story that wasn't there before. It was done in game so they are more likely to remember it. They might realize that back stories aren't so hard to come up with. And best of all, your game is suddenly a bit more three dimensional then it was a moment ago.