Internal Motivation

Definition

Internal motivation refers to the drive that comes from within an individual to engage in a behavior or pursue a goal, often fueled by personal satisfaction, values, or intrinsic interest. This type of motivation is essential for character development in storytelling, as it shapes a character's choices, actions, and emotional responses, providing depth and realism to their journey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Internal motivation often leads to more authentic character actions, making them relatable and engaging for the audience.
2. Characters driven by internal motivation usually have well-defined goals based on their beliefs and desires, which influence their decisions throughout the narrative.
3. Unlike external motivation, which is driven by rewards or pressures from outside sources, internal motivation is based on personal fulfillment and self-driven goals.
4. Understanding a character's internal motivation helps actors deliver performances that resonate emotionally with viewers, making their portrayals more impactful.
5. Writers often use internal motivation to create complex characters who evolve over time, highlighting the struggle between personal desires and external challenges.

Review Questions

• How does internal motivation influence a character's decisions throughout a story?
  • Internal motivation plays a crucial role in shaping a character's decisions as it reflects their personal values and desires. When a character is driven by internal factors, their choices are often more authentic and aligned with who they are. This creates a deeper connection with the audience as they witness the character navigate challenges while remaining true to themselves, ultimately leading to meaningful development.
• In what ways can internal motivation contribute to the complexity of a character arc?
  • Internal motivation adds layers to a character arc by illustrating how personal beliefs and experiences influence a character's growth. As characters confront conflicts and obstacles related to their motivations, they may experience moments of self-discovery or transformation. This evolution not only enriches the narrative but also allows audiences to witness the intricacies of human behavior and the impact of intrinsic desires on one's journey.
• Evaluate the impact of internal versus external motivation on character development in storytelling.
  • Internal motivation fosters more profound character development as it highlights personal growth driven by intrinsic factors, such as self-discovery or values. In contrast, external motivation often leads characters to react primarily to outside pressures or rewards. By examining both types of motivation, storytellers can craft multidimensional characters; those driven by internal forces tend to resonate more deeply with audiences due to their relatable struggles and emotional journeys.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey that a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their motivations and experiences.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which often drives a character’s internal motivation and development.

Backstory: The background information about a character's past that informs their current motivations and behaviors.