Motivation

Definition

Motivation is the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions within a narrative. It shapes how characters interact with each other and their environment, influencing plot development and character arcs. Understanding a character's motivation is crucial for creating compelling and relatable narratives, as it adds depth and complexity to their actions and experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be intrinsic, arising from within a character, or extrinsic, influenced by external factors or circumstances.
2. Characters' motivations can change throughout the story, allowing for dynamic character development and unexpected plot twists.
3. Understanding a character's motivation helps audiences connect emotionally with them, making their journeys more impactful.
4. Motivation often ties into larger themes within the narrative, such as love, revenge, or redemption, enriching the overall story.
5. Effective storytelling often involves contrasting characters with opposing motivations to create tension and enhance conflict.

Review Questions

• How does a character's motivation influence their actions in a narrative?
  • A character's motivation directly influences their actions by dictating what they seek to achieve and how they respond to challenges. For instance, if a character is motivated by revenge, their decisions will likely lead them down a darker path, impacting not just themselves but those around them. This creates opportunities for conflict and growth within the story, shaping the overall narrative.
• Discuss how motivation contributes to the development of a character arc throughout a story.
  • Motivation plays a critical role in shaping a character arc by providing the rationale behind a character's choices and growth. As characters face obstacles related to their motivations, they may evolve, changing their beliefs or priorities. This transformation often highlights key themes in the narrative, allowing the audience to witness the depth of the character's journey and the effects of their motivations on their development.
• Evaluate how contrasting motivations among characters can create tension and drive the plot forward.
  • Contrasting motivations among characters generate tension by creating conflict and opposing goals that propel the plot. For example, if one character seeks power while another values freedom, their conflicting motivations will lead to confrontations that heighten drama. This dynamic not only enhances viewer engagement but also allows for complex interactions that deepen character relationships and enrich the narrative.

Related terms

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot forward, often stemming from characters' motivations.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a narrative, often driven by their motivations.

Backstory: The background information that shapes a character's motivations, providing context for their actions and choices.