Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the underlying reasons or drives that propel a character to act in specific ways, influencing their choices and behaviors. Understanding a character's motivation is crucial for developing authentic and relatable characters, as it helps maintain consistency in their actions, dialogue, and overall voice throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be intrinsic (driven by personal desires) or extrinsic (influenced by external factors), both of which are essential for shaping character behavior.
2. Consistent motivation helps to establish a character's voice, making their decisions and reactions believable and relatable to the audience.
3. A well-developed motivation often leads to stronger character arcs, as characters evolve in response to their goals and obstacles.
4. Motivation is not static; it can change throughout the story as characters encounter new challenges or experiences that reshape their desires.
5. Clarity of motivation allows for richer internal conflict, as characters may struggle between competing desires or moral dilemmas.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance the portrayal of their voice and consistency throughout a narrative?
  • Understanding a character's motivation is key to creating a believable and consistent voice. When writers clearly define what drives a character, it shapes how they react to situations, speak, and make decisions. This consistency helps audiences connect with the character on an emotional level, making their journey more engaging.
• Discuss the role of internal conflict in revealing a character's motivation and how it affects their development.
  • Internal conflict plays a significant role in revealing a character's motivation by highlighting the struggles they face when their desires clash. As characters grapple with these opposing motivations, it not only provides depth to their personality but also influences their development. This tension can lead to pivotal moments where characters must make tough choices that reflect their true motivations.
• Evaluate how changes in a character's motivation throughout the story can affect their overall arc and the narrative's direction.
  • Changes in a character's motivation can drastically impact their overall arc and the direction of the narrative. As characters evolve in response to experiences and challenges, shifts in motivation can lead to unexpected plot developments and deeper emotional engagement. This evolution can create dynamic storytelling, as characters who confront and adapt to new motivations often become more relatable and complex.

Related terms

character arc: The transformation or journey a character undergoes throughout a story, often driven by their motivations and the challenges they face.

internal conflict: The psychological struggle within a character that arises from opposing motivations, desires, or values, often shaping their decisions and development.

backstory: The history and background of a character that informs their motivations and behaviors, providing context for their actions in the story.