Desire

Definition

Desire is the intense longing or wish for something, often driving a character's actions and decisions within a narrative. It serves as a fundamental motivator that propels characters into conflict, shaping their goals and the challenges they face. Understanding desire is crucial for revealing the deeper layers of character motivation and the dynamics of conflict in storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desire can be both explicit and implicit, with characters expressing their wishes directly or revealing them through actions and choices.
2. Conflicting desires among characters create tension and drama, essential elements that drive the narrative forward.
3. Desire can evolve throughout a story as characters face obstacles, leading to character growth or transformation.
4. The interplay of desire and conflict often serves to highlight themes within a narrative, such as love, ambition, or revenge.
5. Understanding a character's desire is key to predicting their behavior and reactions in various situations, making it a vital tool for writers.

Review Questions

• How does a character's desire influence their motivation and lead to conflict in a story?
  • A character's desire acts as the engine behind their motivation, pushing them to take specific actions toward achieving their goals. When these desires clash with other characters' motivations or external challenges, it creates conflict that drives the story forward. This dynamic not only adds depth to character interactions but also establishes the stakes involved, making the narrative more engaging.
• Discuss how conflicting desires among characters can enhance the overall tension in a narrative.
  • When characters have opposing desires, it generates natural tension within the story. For instance, if one character desires power while another seeks justice, their conflicting goals create friction that leads to confrontations and difficult choices. This struggle not only heightens suspense but also allows for richer character development as they grapple with their values and what they're willing to sacrifice for their desires.
• Evaluate the role of desire in character development and how it can reflect broader themes in storytelling.
  • Desire plays a pivotal role in shaping a character's journey and growth throughout a story. As characters pursue their desires, they encounter various obstacles that challenge their beliefs and motivations. This can lead to significant transformations, illustrating themes such as resilience, sacrifice, or redemption. By examining how desire influences a character's actions and decisions, writers can convey deeper messages about the human experience and societal issues.

Related terms

Motivation: The inner drive that prompts a character to take action, often influenced by their desires, needs, and goals.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces, often stemming from characters' desires clashing with each other or with external obstacles.

Goal: A specific aim or desired outcome that a character strives to achieve, often driven by their underlying desires.