Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity because it is inherently satisfying or enjoyable, rather than for some external reward or pressure. This type of motivation is crucial in shaping character development, as it leads characters to pursue goals and make choices that align with their inner values and passions, ultimately enriching their narrative arcs and depth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic motivation often leads to greater creativity and persistence in characters, allowing for more dynamic and relatable storytelling.
2. Characters driven by intrinsic motivation are more likely to engage in activities that reflect their true selves and personal values, making them more authentic.
3. The presence of intrinsic motivation can lead to more complex character development as characters evolve through their experiences and choices.
4. Writers can cultivate intrinsic motivation in characters by creating challenges that resonate with their desires and interests, fostering growth.
5. Understanding a character's intrinsic motivations can deepen the audience's connection to them, enhancing emotional engagement with the story.

Review Questions

• How does intrinsic motivation influence character development in storytelling?
  • Intrinsic motivation plays a key role in character development by driving characters to pursue goals that align with their inner values and passions. When characters are motivated from within, their actions become more relatable and authentic, allowing for deeper connections with the audience. This internal drive often results in significant growth and change throughout the narrative, as characters navigate challenges that resonate with their personal desires.
• Discuss the relationship between intrinsic motivation and character authenticity in narratives.
  • Intrinsic motivation contributes significantly to character authenticity by ensuring that characters act based on their true selves rather than external pressures or rewards. When characters are driven by intrinsic desires, their decisions and actions feel genuine, allowing audiences to connect with them on a deeper level. This authenticity not only enhances the narrative but also makes the character's journey more compelling as they face conflicts rooted in their own motivations.
• Evaluate how writers can effectively incorporate intrinsic motivation into character arcs to enhance storytelling.
  • Writers can enhance storytelling by incorporating intrinsic motivation into character arcs through thoughtful characterization and conflict creation. By clearly defining what drives a character from within—such as personal beliefs, values, or passions—writers can create scenarios that challenge these motivations. This approach not only adds depth to the character's journey but also allows for transformative moments where characters grow or change based on their internal struggles and achievements, ultimately leading to richer storytelling experiences.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation is the drive to perform an activity to earn rewards or avoid punishment, often contrasting with intrinsic motivation.

Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ability of individuals to make their own choices and decisions, which can significantly influence their level of intrinsic motivation.

Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory is a psychological framework that emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and the fulfillment of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.