Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for some external reward or pressure. This kind of motivation often stems from personal interest, enjoyment, or the desire to improve oneself, making it a powerful force in shaping character actions and decisions. In storytelling, intrinsic motivation is crucial as it helps to define a character's goals and conflicts, leading to deeper, more relatable narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Characters driven by intrinsic motivation often display stronger emotional depth and authenticity, making them more relatable to the audience.
2. Intrinsic motivation can lead to more dynamic character development, as characters pursue personal goals that resonate with their inner values.
3. In drama, conflicts arising from intrinsic motivations can create more compelling stakes, as they often involve personal beliefs and desires.
4. Writers can enhance character engagement by clearly illustrating what drives a character intrinsically, allowing the audience to connect with their journey.
5. Understanding a character's intrinsic motivations can help playwrights create more nuanced interactions between characters and their environments.

Review Questions

• How does intrinsic motivation influence character development in plays?
  • Intrinsic motivation plays a significant role in character development by providing depth and authenticity. When characters are motivated by personal interests or values rather than external rewards, their actions resonate more with the audience. This internal drive can lead to compelling arcs as characters face challenges that reflect their core beliefs and desires, ultimately enriching the overall narrative.
• Compare and contrast intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation in character portrayal.
  • Intrinsic motivation focuses on actions driven by personal satisfaction or interest, while extrinsic motivation involves behaviors influenced by external rewards or pressures. Characters fueled by intrinsic motivation often exhibit more complexity and emotional depth, as their actions stem from genuine passion or self-improvement. In contrast, characters relying on extrinsic motivation may come across as less relatable since their actions are tied to outside expectations or rewards, which can create different dynamics in storytelling.
• Evaluate the impact of intrinsic motivation on conflict creation within a narrative.
  • Intrinsic motivation significantly impacts conflict creation in narratives by introducing personal stakes that resonate with both the character and the audience. When characters pursue goals based on their inner desires or beliefs, conflicts often arise from these deeply held motivations clashing with external forces or other characters' interests. This not only elevates tension but also deepens character interactions and enriches thematic exploration within the story. Ultimately, intrinsic motivations shape how characters confront challenges, making their journeys more compelling and relatable.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

The drive to perform an activity to earn a reward or avoid punishment, contrasting with intrinsic motivation where the activity itself is the reward.

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their motivations and experiences.

Goal-Oriented Behavior: Actions taken by characters aimed at achieving specific objectives, which can be driven by either intrinsic or extrinsic motivations.