It does a really good job of providing character background, as well as story and lore from the previous, two and your character glossary is updated constantly. I never played the first two for more than an hour or so each (just never got hooked in, wish I had now) I absolutely love Witcher 3 and recommend it to any rpg fan. One of the most immersive games I've played and loaded with quests and exploring. My first playthrough clocked in at 160 hours and I still have a lot left to do. Definitely worth getting