2.2 Character motivation

Character motivation drives the story forward, shaping how characters act and react. It's the fuel that powers their decisions, creating depth and relatability. Understanding different types of motivation helps writers craft compelling characters that resonate with audiences.

External and internal motivations work together to influence characters. Conscious and unconscious drives add complexity. By exploring various sources of motivation, writers can develop well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, goals, and conflicts that captivate readers and viewers.

Types of character motivation

• Character motivation is the driving force behind a character's actions, decisions, and behaviors in a story
• Understanding the different types of motivation helps writers create compelling, multi-dimensional characters that audiences can relate to and invest in

External vs internal motivation

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• External motivation originates from outside factors, such as a character's environment, circumstances, or other characters (pressure from family to succeed)
• Internal motivation comes from within the character, such as their beliefs, values, desires, or fears (a deep-seated need for approval)
• Characters often have a combination of external and internal motivations that influence their actions and decisions
• Exploring the interplay between external and internal motivations can create complex, nuanced characters

Conscious vs unconscious motivation

• Conscious motivation refers to a character's intentional, self-aware reasons for their actions (a desire to win a competition)
• Unconscious motivation involves deeper, hidden drives that the character may not be fully aware of (a subconscious need to prove their worth)
• Unconscious motivations often stem from a character's backstory, traumas, or unresolved issues
• Revealing a character's unconscious motivations can lead to powerful insights and character development

Sources of motivation

• To create believable, well-rounded characters, writers must understand the various sources that shape their motivations
• Exploring these sources helps writers develop characters with distinct personalities, goals, and conflicts that drive the story forward

Backstory and defining moments

• A character's backstory, including their upbringing, family dynamics, and significant life events, can greatly influence their motivations (a childhood trauma leading to a fear of abandonment)
• Defining moments, such as a pivotal success or failure, can shape a character's worldview and drive their actions (a career-ending injury fueling a desire for redemption)
• Revealing a character's backstory and defining moments can help the audience understand and empathize with their motivations

Personality traits and quirks

• A character's unique personality traits, such as their temperament, values, and quirks, can inform their motivations (an introverted character's desire for solitude)
• Personality traits can influence how a character perceives and responds to challenges, conflicts, and relationships (a stubborn character refusing to compromise)
• Quirks, such as a character's habits or idiosyncrasies, can add depth and specificity to their motivations (a character's obsession with cleanliness stemming from a need for control)

Goals and desires

• A character's goals and desires, both short-term and long-term, are powerful motivators that drive their actions (a character's dream of becoming a successful artist)
• Goals can be tangible, such as achieving a specific objective, or intangible, such as finding happiness or purpose (a character's quest for self-discovery)
• Desires can range from basic needs, like survival or security, to higher-level aspirations, like love or recognition (a character's yearning for acceptance)

Fears and flaws

• A character's fears and flaws can be significant sources of motivation, often leading to internal conflicts and growth opportunities (a character's fear of failure holding them back)
• Fears can be rational, such as a fear of heights, or irrational, such as a phobia of public speaking (a character's fear of intimacy affecting their relationships)
• Flaws, such as pride, jealousy, or impulsiveness, can create obstacles and challenges for characters to overcome (a character's pride preventing them from asking for help)

Techniques for revealing motivation

• Effectively revealing a character's motivations is crucial for engaging the audience and creating a compelling narrative
• Writers can employ various techniques to gradually unveil a character's motivations, keeping the audience invested in their journey

Dialogue and inner monologue

• Dialogue can be used to expose a character's motivations through their words, tone, and subtext (a character's sarcastic remarks hinting at their insecurities)
• Inner monologue allows the audience to access a character's thoughts, feelings, and internal conflicts directly (a character's inner debate about whether to pursue a risky opportunity)
• Balancing dialogue and inner monologue can provide a comprehensive understanding of a character's motivations

Actions and decisions

• A character's actions and decisions can reveal their motivations, especially when they face difficult choices or moral dilemmas (a character sacrificing their own well-being to protect someone they love)
• Inconsistencies between a character's words and actions can create intrigue and hint at hidden motivations (a character claiming to be uninterested in a promotion while secretly working late hours)
• Showing a character's actions and decisions, rather than simply telling the audience, can make their motivations more impactful and memorable

Reactions to events and conflicts

• How a character reacts to events and conflicts can provide insight into their motivations and values (a character's explosive anger when confronted with injustice)
• A character's emotional responses, such as joy, fear, or sadness, can reveal the depth and complexity of their motivations (a character's tears of relief after overcoming a long-standing obstacle)
• Exploring a character's reactions to both positive and negative situations can paint a comprehensive picture of their motivations

Interactions with other characters

• A character's interactions with other characters can expose their motivations through their relationships, power dynamics, and conflicts (a character's jealousy towards a successful rival)
• How a character treats others, such as with kindness, indifference, or cruelty, can reflect their underlying motivations (a character's patience with a struggling teammate stemming from their own past struggles)
• Contrasting a character's interactions with different characters can highlight the nuances and contradictions in their motivations (a character's tenderness with family versus their ruthlessness with enemies)

Character arcs and motivation

• Character arcs, the transformative journeys characters undergo throughout a story, are closely tied to their motivations
• Exploring the relationship between character arcs and motivation can help writers create dynamic, engaging stories that resonate with audiences

Motivation's role in character growth

• A character's motivation often serves as the catalyst for their growth and development throughout the story (a character's desire for acceptance driving them to confront their fears)
• As characters face challenges and obstacles related to their motivations, they have opportunities to learn, adapt, and evolve (a character's failure leading to a reevaluation of their priorities)
• Changes in a character's motivation can signify significant growth and transformation (a character shifting from a selfish desire for fame to a selfless commitment to helping others)

Static vs dynamic motivation

• Static motivation remains constant throughout the story, with the character's goals and drives remaining largely unchanged (a character's unwavering dedication to avenging a loved one)
• Dynamic motivation evolves and shifts as the character grows and faces new challenges (a character's initial desire for wealth giving way to a pursuit of personal fulfillment)
• Static motivation can be effective for characters who serve as anchors or foils, while dynamic motivation often leads to more compelling character arcs

Resolving motivational conflicts

• Motivational conflicts arise when a character's desires, goals, or values clash with each other or with external circumstances (a character torn between loyalty to family and pursuit of personal dreams)
• Resolving these conflicts is a key aspect of a character's arc, requiring them to make difficult choices and face the consequences (a character choosing to prioritize their own happiness over others' expectations)
• The resolution of motivational conflicts can lead to profound growth, self-discovery, and change in a character's life (a character finding a way to balance their competing desires and forge a new path forward)

Crafting compelling motivations

• Creating compelling motivations is essential for developing characters that audiences can connect with and root for
• Well-crafted motivations can elevate a story from predictable to unforgettable, keeping readers and viewers engaged from beginning to end

Relatable and understandable motivations

• Relatable motivations tap into universal human experiences, emotions, and desires, allowing audiences to empathize with characters (a character's struggle to fit in at a new school)
• Understandable motivations are clear, logical, and grounded in the character's background, personality, and circumstances (a character's desire to escape poverty stemming from their upbringing)
• Even if a character's actions are unconventional or morally questionable, their motivations should be relatable and understandable to keep the audience invested

Complex and layered motivations

• Complex motivations involve multiple, sometimes conflicting, desires and goals that create internal struggles for characters (a character's desire for success conflicting with their need for family time)
• Layered motivations reveal deeper, more profound drives beneath surface-level goals and desires (a character's pursuit of fame masking a deeper need for validation and love)
• Incorporating complexity and layers into a character's motivations can create more nuanced, realistic, and engaging stories

Unique and specific motivations

• Unique motivations set characters apart from clichés and stereotypes, making them memorable and distinct (a character's desire to create a groundbreaking invention to honor a deceased mentor)
• Specific motivations are rooted in a character's individual experiences, passions, and quirks, adding depth and authenticity to their actions (a character's love for a particular hobby driving their career choices)
• Incorporating unique and specific elements into a character's motivations can help them stand out in a crowded storytelling landscape

Consistent and cohesive motivations

• Consistent motivations remain true to a character's established personality, background, and values throughout the story (a character's commitment to honesty persisting even in difficult situations)
• Cohesive motivations integrate seamlessly with other aspects of a character, such as their relationships, conflicts, and growth (a character's desire for independence influencing their romantic choices and career path)
• Maintaining consistency and cohesion in a character's motivations helps create a sense of authenticity and believability, even in fantastical or heightened story worlds

Common motivational tropes

• Motivational tropes are recurring themes and patterns in character motivations across various stories and genres
• While tropes can be effective storytelling tools, writers should strive to put fresh spins on these familiar motivations to avoid clichés and maintain audience engagement

Revenge and justice

• Revenge motivations involve characters seeking to right perceived wrongs or avenge losses, often leading to morally complex stories (a character hunting down the murderer of their family)
• Justice motivations revolve around characters' desires to uphold law, order, and fairness, sometimes at great personal cost (a character fighting to expose corruption in their community)
• Revenge and justice motivations can create high-stakes conflicts and explore themes of morality, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's actions

Love and relationships

• Love motivations encompass characters' desires for romantic, familial, or platonic connections, often driving them to overcome obstacles and make sacrifices (a character risking everything to save their partner)
• Relationship motivations involve characters' needs for belonging, acceptance, and support from others, influencing their choices and interactions (a character seeking approval from a distant parent)
• Love and relationship motivations can create emotional resonance and explore the complexities of human connection and interdependence

Power and ambition

• Power motivations revolve around characters' desires for control, influence, and dominance, often leading to conflicts with others (a character's ruthless climb up the corporate ladder)
• Ambition motivations involve characters' drives to achieve success, recognition, and mastery in their chosen fields (a character's tireless pursuit of a championship title)
• Power and ambition motivations can create compelling character arcs and explore themes of ego, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of unchecked desire

Survival and self-preservation

• Survival motivations involve characters' primal needs to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm, often in extreme or dangerous situations (a character's desperate attempt to escape a natural disaster)
• Self-preservation motivations encompass characters' desires to maintain their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, sometimes at the expense of others (a character's reluctance to get involved in a dangerous conflict)
• Survival and self-preservation motivations can create intense, high-stakes storytelling and explore the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves and those they care about

Motivation in different genres

• Different genres often lend themselves to specific types of character motivations, reflecting the unique themes, tones, and conventions of each storytelling style
• Understanding how motivation functions in various genres can help writers craft characters that feel authentic and compelling within their chosen narrative frameworks

Motivation in drama vs comedy

• In dramas, character motivations tend to be more serious, complex, and emotionally charged, driving the story's central conflicts and themes (a character's struggle with addiction and its impact on their relationships)
• In comedies, character motivations often revolve around absurd, exaggerated, or humorous goals and desires, leading to lighthearted and entertaining storylines (a character's outlandish schemes to win back their ex)
• While dramas and comedies approach motivation differently, both genres rely on relatable and engaging character drives to keep audiences invested

Motivation in action vs romance

• In action stories, character motivations often center around high-stakes goals, such as survival, justice, or the protection of others, driving the plot's fast-paced and thrilling sequences (a character's mission to stop a terrorist attack)
• In romance stories, character motivations typically involve the pursuit of love, connection, and personal growth, leading to emotional and interpersonal conflicts (a character's journey to overcome their fear of commitment)
• While action and romance genres prioritize different types of motivation, both rely on characters' drives and desires to create compelling narrative arcs

Motivation in thriller vs horror

• In thrillers, character motivations often revolve around uncovering secrets, solving mysteries, or outrunning danger, creating suspense and intellectual engagement (a character's obsessive quest to catch a serial killer)
• In horror stories, character motivations frequently stem from primal fears, survival instincts, and the confrontation of terrifying or supernatural forces (a character's desperate attempt to escape a haunted house)
• While thrillers and horror stories use motivation to evoke different emotional responses, both genres rely on characters' drives and conflicts to keep audiences on the edge of their seats

Pitfalls to avoid with motivation

• When crafting character motivations, writers should be aware of common pitfalls that can undermine the effectiveness and impact of their stories
• By avoiding these pitfalls, writers can create motivations that feel authentic, compelling, and emotionally resonant for their audiences

Clichéd and predictable motivations

• Clichéd motivations rely on overused or stereotypical character drives, such as the "chosen one" destined to save the world or the "evil villain" seeking world domination
• Predictable motivations are easily guessed by the audience, often due to a lack of originality or depth in the character's goals and desires
• To avoid clichés and predictability, writers should strive to put fresh spins on familiar motivations and incorporate unique, specific elements that set their characters apart

Inconsistent or contradictory motivations

• Inconsistent motivations involve characters acting in ways that don't align with their established goals, values, or personality traits, breaking the audience's suspension of disbelief (a previously selfless character suddenly acting purely out of self-interest)
• Contradictory motivations occur when a character's drives or desires directly oppose each other without a clear explanation or arc, creating confusion and frustration for the audience (a character claiming to value honesty while constantly lying to others)
• To maintain consistency and avoid contradictions, writers should ensure that characters' actions and choices flow logically from their established motivations and develop any changes or conflicts gradually over the course of the story

Unrelatable or incomprehensible motivations

• Unrelatable motivations are those that feel alien or disconnected from the audience's own experiences and emotions, making it difficult for them to empathize with the character (a character's desire to collect a specific type of rare insect)
• Incomprehensible motivations are those that are poorly explained, illogical, or lack sufficient context, leaving the audience confused or disengaged (a character's sudden decision to abandon their life's work without any apparent reason)
• To create relatable and comprehensible motivations, writers should ground their characters' drives in universal human experiences and provide clear, well-developed explanations for their actions and choices

Overly simplistic or one-dimensional motivations

• Overly simplistic motivations lack depth, nuance, or complexity, often reducing characters to a single goal or desire without exploring the underlying reasons or conflicts (a character's sole motivation being to get rich)
• One-dimensional motivations define characters entirely by a single aspect of their personality or background, neglecting the multifaceted nature of human drives and desires (a character's entire arc revolving around their identity as an athlete)
• To avoid simplistic or one-dimensional motivations, writers should strive to create layered, complex characters with multiple goals, conflicts, and facets to their personalities, reflecting the richness and diversity of real human experiences