Motivations

Definition

Motivations are the driving forces behind a character's actions, desires, and decisions in a story. They shape how characters respond to events and interact with others, making their actions feel genuine and believable. Understanding motivations helps in developing a character's voice and maintaining consistency in their behavior throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivations can be intrinsic (internal desires) or extrinsic (external influences), both of which shape how characters behave.
2. A well-defined motivation gives a character depth, making them relatable and engaging to the audience.
3. Motivations can evolve throughout the story, leading to character growth or changes in direction as circumstances shift.
4. Characters' motivations often create conflict, as differing desires and goals can lead to tension between characters.
5. Consistency in a character's motivations ensures that their actions align with their established voice, making them more believable.

Review Questions

• How do motivations influence a character's development throughout a story?
  • Motivations play a crucial role in shaping a character's development by driving their actions and decisions. As characters pursue their goals, their motivations reveal deeper aspects of their personality and lead to growth or change. For instance, a character may start with a selfish motivation but evolve into a more selfless individual as they face challenges and learn from experiences. This evolution makes characters more dynamic and relatable.
• In what ways can conflicting motivations among characters create tension within a narrative?
  • Conflicting motivations among characters can lead to heightened tension and drama within a narrative. When characters have opposing goals or desires, it creates obstacles that they must navigate, resulting in conflict that propels the story forward. For example, if one character is motivated by revenge while another seeks forgiveness, their interactions will be charged with emotional stakes. This conflict not only engages the audience but also highlights the complexity of human relationships.
• Evaluate the impact of backstory on a character's motivations and how it contributes to voice consistency.
  • Backstory significantly influences a character's motivations by providing context for their desires and actions. A well-crafted backstory explains why a character feels or acts a certain way, allowing the audience to understand their journey better. This understanding leads to consistency in character voice because motivations rooted in backstory guide how characters express themselves and react to situations. When motivations align with established backstory, it strengthens the believability of the character and enriches the overall narrative.

Related terms

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

conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot forward, often rooted in the motivations of characters.

backstory: The history of a character that provides context for their motivations and helps explain their actions in the present.