Extrinsic Motivation

Definition

Extrinsic motivation refers to the drive to perform an activity due to external factors or rewards rather than intrinsic satisfaction or enjoyment. It often involves incentives such as money, grades, praise, or other tangible benefits that come from outside the individual. This type of motivation can influence character behavior and decision-making in storytelling, providing a framework for understanding why characters might pursue certain goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extrinsic motivation can be an effective tool for character development, as it often reveals underlying desires and conflicts within a character's journey.
2. Characters driven by extrinsic motivation may face ethical dilemmas when their external rewards conflict with their personal values.
3. This type of motivation can lead to short-term engagement but may not sustain long-term commitment or passion for the task at hand.
4. In storytelling, extrinsic motivations can create tension and conflict between characters with differing values regarding success and achievement.
5. Understanding a character's extrinsic motivations helps audiences relate to their struggles and triumphs, making the narrative more compelling.

Review Questions

• How does extrinsic motivation shape a character's actions and decisions within a story?
  • Extrinsic motivation plays a significant role in shaping a character's actions and decisions as it provides them with clear external incentives to pursue certain goals. For instance, a character motivated by the desire for financial gain may make choices that align with that goal, even if they compromise their personal ethics. This drive can lead to interesting conflicts within the narrative, especially when characters face choices that pit their external motivations against their internal beliefs.
• Discuss the potential drawbacks of relying on extrinsic motivation for character development in storytelling.
  • While extrinsic motivation can effectively drive plot and character development, relying too heavily on it can result in superficial character arcs. Characters may appear one-dimensional if their motivations are solely based on external rewards without deeper emotional or psychological layers. Additionally, if a character's actions are primarily driven by external incentives, it can lead to a lack of authenticity or relatability, potentially disconnecting audiences from the character's journey.
• Evaluate how understanding extrinsic motivation can enhance a writer's ability to create complex characters and narratives.
  • Understanding extrinsic motivation allows writers to craft more complex characters by revealing the layers behind their desires and actions. By recognizing what external rewards influence a character's choices, writers can create rich backstories and intricate relationships that add depth to the narrative. Furthermore, by juxtaposing extrinsic motivations with intrinsic ones, writers can highlight internal conflicts and growth, leading to more compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

Related terms

Intrinsic Motivation: The drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, stemming from personal satisfaction or the enjoyment derived from the activity itself.

Incentives: Rewards or punishments used to motivate behavior, which can include financial rewards, recognition, or other forms of compensation.

Goal-Setting Theory: A psychological framework that emphasizes the importance of setting specific and challenging goals as a way to enhance motivation and performance.