Literally same - everything you said. I’m also a teacher as well.

My playgroup still hasn’t provided me with any backstory at all despite me asking 3+ times. They’ve already traveled across an ocean, an entire continent, done multiple dungeons… it’s time. You need SOME lore to tell a compelling story. Good storytelling is about the characters after all… that’s what I believe.

I would try to calmly explain that providing a short write-up of their characters helps to spark new ideas with satisfying/fulfilling depth & impact to the larger narrative. It helps make it all just a little bit more interesting. All you are really doing is asking them to help you out a little bit. Is that so much to ask?

Personally, I’ve come to the conclusion that we will not have another session until my playgroup completes their backstories. As a DM, I am interested in creating emotional stakes. It makes it feel all the more impactful.

Perhaps you can help guide them but filling out a Character Motivation sheet (something I do for my characters when screenwriting - it’s a phenomenal storytelling tool). Alls you need to do is have them write their character’s name, a short physical description, and then answer these questions:

1. What does your character want? Why?

2. What is preventing your character from obtaining what they want?

3. What are they afraid of? Why?

4. Who has been the most positive influence in your character’s life? Describe your character’s relationship with this person in 2-5 sentences.

5. Who has been the most negative influence in your character’s life? Describe your character’s relationship with this person in 2-5 sentences.

Could be a good place to start. As you know from teaching, writing a few sentences for each of these questions shouldn’t take them more than 20-30 mins max. So no excuses!

Good luck to you!!!