Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the driving force behind individuals' actions, desires, and needs that inspire them to pursue specific goals or behaviors. In feature writing, understanding motivation is crucial as it helps to develop multi-dimensional characters and compelling scenes that resonate with readers. By exploring what drives a character, writers can create more relatable narratives that engage audiences emotionally.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be intrinsic, stemming from personal values or interests, or extrinsic, driven by external rewards or pressures.
2. Understanding a character's motivation allows writers to create more believable and engaging interactions within their narratives.
3. Different characters may have conflicting motivations that create tension and drive the plot forward, enriching the storytelling experience.
4. In feature writing, showing rather than telling a character's motivation can create more impactful and immersive scenes.
5. Motivation is not static; it can evolve throughout the narrative as characters face challenges and growth opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance the development of their character arc?
  • Understanding a character's motivation is essential for crafting their character arc because it provides insight into their desires and decisions. When writers know what drives their characters, they can depict their growth or changes effectively. This understanding allows for richer emotional depth as the audience witnesses how characters confront challenges that test their motivations and ultimately shape who they become by the end of the narrative.
• Discuss how conflicting motivations among characters can create tension in a feature story.
  • Conflicting motivations among characters introduce tension and drama in a feature story as characters pursue opposing goals or desires. This conflict can manifest in various forms—through dialogue, action, or internal struggles—which keeps readers engaged. The resulting friction not only propels the narrative forward but also highlights the complexity of human relationships and choices, allowing for deeper exploration of themes and character development.
• Evaluate how the use of backstory can effectively reveal a character's motivation and influence the overall narrative.
  • The use of backstory is a powerful tool in revealing a character's motivation, providing context for their actions and decisions throughout the narrative. By exploring a character's past experiences, fears, and influences, writers can craft more nuanced motivations that resonate with readers. This deeper understanding of why a character acts in certain ways enriches the story, making it more compelling as audiences become invested in both the character's journey and their outcomes based on those motivations.

Related terms

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

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, often fueled by characters' motivations and desires.

Backstory:

The history of a character that provides context for their motivations and actions, helping to shape their development throughout the story.