Are recaps needed in sequels?

[Jessi]

I'm currently working on a first draft of my second novel in a series and I'm wondering, in the sequel to a novel, is it necessary to recap and rehash the characters' stories or are they just assumed to be known by the reader?

If I do add a recap, should it be of just the previous climax and falling action to orient the reader in case they didn't read/forgot the drama of the first novel?

Would love thoughts and suggestions!

[Rachel]

I’ve seen this discussed before and I think the consensus was to try weave the relevant and essential reminders into the story, so it wasn’t an info dump nor obvious or painful for people who had just read the first book. So it’s like the characters looking back/ recounting their experiences to explain their current behaviours and thoughts.

[Jessi]

Rachel wrote: "I’ve seen this discussed before and I think the consensus was to try weave the relevant and essential reminders into the story, so it wasn’t an info dump nor obvious or painful for people who had j..."

Thank you so much Rachel!
I was thinking about weaving in details through the main character having a nightmare and then trying to unpack how she got to where she is now upon waking, but wasn't sure how much recap I should go into.

I appreciate you!

[Gifford]

I agree with Rachel. And one thing to remember, it doesn't all have to happen at once. I think it's better for the character to reveal their past bit by bit. So maybe the first nightmare causes them to reveal a bit, then shake it off (rinse/repeat), building to a complete scenario/understanding of the character.

[Dana]

It depends on how "reader-friendly" you want it to be. Many series and trilogies I've read simply continue the plot where its predecessor left off. Matter of fact, any recap might just be embedded within the blurb on the back cover, and the reader assumes the responsibility of knowing all else. In most cases, I still don't find these hard to read even if I've taken a break in between books.

It also depends on how much transpired the first book. If there was one life-changing event that rocked the characters' world, then a recap could be appropriate. If there was a chain reaction saga of twists and consequences, not so much unless the recap was just the climax/latest development. And even then, I'd only recommend on focusing on recapping your Main protagonist and maybe the anatgonist or the second closest person, not info dump for every single character.

Another thing to add: What I think is a good skill to have in the toolbox of writing: storytelling in a standalone context.
Meaning, even if someone picks up your sequel at the bookstore, they can read it with a satisfying experience even without having the predecessor. Unless the first book covers some very complex ideas or intense plot situations, I think most books can still function (though not ideally) as a standalone if they still adhere to the main arcs of storytelling.

[Jessi]

Thank you so much everyone! I really appreciate all of your answers.