Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions within a narrative. It shapes how characters develop over time and influences their relationships with other characters and the world around them. Understanding motivation is essential for analyzing character arcs, as it reveals the internal conflicts and desires that propel characters toward their goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be intrinsic, arising from personal desires and values, or extrinsic, influenced by external factors like societal expectations or relationships.
2. Characters may have multiple motivations that evolve throughout the story, leading to complex character development and plot dynamics.
3. A character's motivation is often tied to their goals, fears, and conflicts, creating tension that drives the narrative forward.
4. Understanding a character's motivation can help reveal underlying themes in a story, such as redemption, ambition, or identity.
5. Effective storytelling often hinges on how well a writer conveys a character's motivations, allowing the audience to empathize with their journey.

Review Questions

• How do different types of motivation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) impact a character's development throughout a story?
  • Intrinsic motivation leads characters to pursue goals based on personal values or desires, which often results in deeper character growth and relatable arcs. In contrast, extrinsic motivation may push characters to act due to external pressures or rewards, potentially leading to conflict with their true selves. Understanding these differences helps analyze how characters evolve and the choices they make along their journeys.
• In what ways can a character's backstory influence their motivations and subsequent actions in the narrative?
  • A character's backstory provides crucial context that shapes their motivations and decisions throughout the story. For instance, past traumas or achievements can drive a character to pursue specific goals or avoid certain situations. By examining how backstory informs motivation, one can better understand the complexity of character arcs and how they interact with other characters and events in the narrative.
• Evaluate the role of conflict in highlighting a character's motivations and how this contributes to overall story progression.
  • Conflict serves as a catalyst that exposes a character's motivations, forcing them to confront their desires and obstacles. By navigating through various conflicts—whether internal struggles or external challenges—characters reveal what drives them at their core. This dynamic not only enhances character development but also propels the narrative forward, as resolution of these conflicts often leads to significant changes in both the characters themselves and the story's outcome.

Related terms

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

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which often arises from a character's motivations and can lead to growth or change.

Backstory: The background information about a character's past that provides context for their motivations, shaping their personality and choices in the story.