Motivation

Definition

Motivation is the internal drive or external incentive that prompts an individual to act towards a goal or fulfill a need. It plays a crucial role in character analysis and development, as it influences a character's actions, decisions, and growth throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Characters often have specific motivations that drive their actions, which can include desires for love, power, revenge, or self-discovery.
2. Understanding a character's motivation helps readers connect with them and understand their choices and conflicts throughout the story.
3. Motivation can change over time for a character, leading to development and transformation as they face challenges and obstacles.
4. Authors often use motivation to create tension in the plot; when a character's goals are thwarted, it can lead to conflict and drive the narrative forward.
5. Different characters may have contrasting motivations that create dynamic interactions and relationships within the story.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance the reader's comprehension of their actions within the story?
  • Understanding a character's motivation helps readers make sense of their actions and decisions by providing context for why they behave a certain way. It allows readers to empathize with characters as they navigate challenges driven by their needs or desires. When motivations are clear, the character’s development becomes more meaningful and impactful throughout the story.
• Discuss the impact of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation on a character's development in literature.
  • Intrinsic motivation often leads characters to pursue goals for personal fulfillment or self-discovery, resulting in profound growth and self-realization. In contrast, extrinsic motivation may lead characters to chase external rewards or avoid negative consequences, which can create different narrative arcs. This distinction shapes how characters evolve over time and influences their relationships with others in the story.
• Evaluate how conflicting motivations among characters contribute to thematic depth in narratives.
  • Conflicting motivations among characters enrich thematic depth by creating tension and complexity in their interactions. When characters have opposing goals—such as one seeking power while another seeks justice—it not only drives the plot but also highlights broader themes like morality, sacrifice, and the human experience. This interplay invites readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs as they witness the consequences of these conflicts unfold.

Related terms

intrinsic motivation: A form of motivation that comes from within an individual, driven by personal satisfaction or the joy of performing a task.

extrinsic motivation: Motivation that is influenced by external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or the desire to avoid negative consequences.

character arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their motivations and experiences.