Desires

Definition

Desires refer to the internal motivations and wants that drive a character's actions and decisions within a narrative. These desires can range from basic needs, like food and safety, to complex emotional longings, such as love or acceptance. Understanding a character's desires is crucial as they shape their development, influence their relationships with other characters, and propel the plot forward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desires can be classified as primary (basic needs) or secondary (emotional or psychological needs), affecting how a character behaves in different situations.
2. A character's desires can change over time due to experiences and growth, making them dynamic and relatable to the audience.
3. Characters often face obstacles that challenge their desires, creating tension and conflict in the story.
4. Understanding a character's desires helps writers create more nuanced characters that resonate with audiences on an emotional level.
5. Desires can also lead to moral dilemmas for characters, prompting them to make difficult choices that reveal their true nature.

Review Questions

• How do desires influence a character's development throughout a narrative?
  • Desires play a pivotal role in shaping a character's development by guiding their actions and decisions. As characters pursue their desires, they encounter various challenges and conflicts that lead to growth or change. This journey reflects their internal struggles, making them more relatable and complex. For example, a character's desire for love may push them to confront personal fears, ultimately leading to significant transformation.
• In what ways can conflicting desires create tension within a story?
  • Conflicting desires create tension by setting up opposing goals that characters must navigate. When one character's desire clashes with another's, it leads to conflict that propels the narrative forward. For instance, if one character desires power while another seeks justice, their conflicting motivations can result in dramatic confrontations and pivotal moments that engage the audience. This tension not only adds depth to the characters but also enhances the overall stakes of the story.
• Evaluate how understanding a character’s desires can enhance audience engagement with the story.
  • Understanding a character's desires deepens audience engagement by fostering emotional connections and investment in the character's journey. When viewers relate to a character's motivations—whether it's longing for acceptance or striving for success—they become more emotionally involved in the narrative. This connection encourages audiences to empathize with characters as they face challenges in pursuit of their desires, ultimately enriching their overall experience of the story.

Related terms

Motivation:

The reasons behind a character's actions, which often stem from their desires and influence their choices throughout the story.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, often arising from a character's desires clashing with their circumstances or other characters' desires.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the story, often driven by their evolving desires and how they confront challenges.