Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the internal and external forces that drive individuals to take action, pursue goals, and maintain persistence in their efforts. In the context of video development, understanding motivation is essential for creating compelling narratives and engaging characters that resonate with audiences, as it influences character decisions and plot progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be intrinsic, coming from within an individual, or extrinsic, driven by external factors like rewards or social pressures.
2. In storytelling, a character's motivation is crucial for establishing relatability and depth, making their actions believable and impactful.
3. Different types of motivation can lead to different narrative outcomes, such as ambition leading to success or revenge leading to downfall.
4. Effective blocking and staging can visually communicate a character's motivation through their positioning, movement, and interactions with others.
5. Understanding a character's motivation can enhance an audience's emotional connection to the story and deepen their investment in the outcome.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance their development throughout a story?
  • Understanding a character's motivation is key to their development as it provides context for their actions and decisions. When viewers grasp what drives a character, it allows them to relate more deeply and understand the stakes involved in the narrative. This connection can create more impactful moments when characters face obstacles or achieve goals, making their journey feel authentic and engaging.
• In what ways can a director use blocking and staging to reflect a character’s motivations visually?
  • A director can use blocking and staging strategically to mirror a character’s motivations by positioning them in relation to other characters or objects that symbolize their goals. For instance, placing a character closer to their objective while showcasing barriers can emphasize their determination or struggle. By manipulating physical space, the director can create visual cues that convey emotional intensity and reinforce what motivates the character in that moment.
• Evaluate how contrasting motivations between characters can create tension and drive the plot forward.
  • Contrasting motivations between characters can significantly enhance tension within a narrative by establishing conflicting goals that propel the plot. When one character's desire directly opposes another's, it leads to conflict that must be resolved, whether through confrontation or compromise. This dynamic not only heightens emotional stakes but also keeps audiences engaged as they anticipate how these motivations will collide and influence the story’s outcome.

Related terms

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their motivations and the challenges they face.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which often arises from the motivations of characters and drives the story forward.

Dramatic Irony:

A situation where the audience knows something that the characters do not, which can heighten the emotional stakes based on the motivations of both parties.