Character goals

Definition

Character goals refer to the objectives or desires that drive a character's actions and decisions throughout a narrative. These goals can be intrinsic, such as personal growth or self-acceptance, or extrinsic, like achieving success or avenging a wrong. Understanding character goals is essential for creating dynamic, relatable characters that engage readers and propel the plot forward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character goals can evolve over the course of a story, reflecting the character's development and experiences.
2. A character's goal often serves as a catalyst for the main plot, driving the narrative forward and creating tension.
3. Clear character goals help readers connect with characters on an emotional level, making their journey more engaging.
4. Conflicts arise when characters encounter obstacles in achieving their goals, which can lead to critical turning points in the story.
5. Understanding a character's goal allows writers to craft more compelling subplots that complement the main narrative.

Review Questions

• How do character goals influence the development of conflict within a story?
  • Character goals are essential in shaping the conflict of a story because they create opposing forces that must be navigated. When a character's goal is challenged by external obstacles or other characters with conflicting aims, it generates tension that propels the narrative forward. The pursuit of these goals often leads to critical moments of conflict that can reveal deeper aspects of the characters involved and drive their development.
• Discuss how understanding a character's goal can enhance their overall character arc.
  • Understanding a character's goal provides insight into their motivations and drives their decisions throughout the story. As characters pursue their goals, they may face challenges that force them to change or grow, resulting in a more dynamic character arc. By mapping out how these goals evolve in response to experiences and conflicts, writers can create richer narratives where characters undergo significant transformation.
• Evaluate the relationship between character goals and reader engagement in narrative writing.
  • Character goals play a crucial role in reader engagement by fostering emotional investment in the characters' journeys. When readers understand what a character aims to achieve, they are more likely to empathize with their struggles and celebrate their successes. Well-defined goals create stakes in the narrative; as readers root for characters to overcome obstacles and fulfill their desires, it enhances the overall reading experience and keeps them hooked until the resolution.

Related terms

motivation: The underlying reasons or incentives that propel a character to pursue their goals.

conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, often arising from the character's goals being challenged or obstructed.

character arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the narrative, often linked to their goals and how they change in pursuit of them.