Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the driving force behind a character's actions, desires, and decisions. It shapes how characters pursue their goals, influences their relationships with others, and propels the narrative forward. Understanding a character's motivation is essential for developing compelling protagonists and supporting characters, as well as structuring the plot effectively.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character motivation can be intrinsic, driven by personal desires and values, or extrinsic, influenced by external factors like relationships and societal pressures.
2. In outlining a script, understanding motivation helps in creating logical arcs and conflicts that resonate with the audience.
3. Supporting characters often serve to amplify or contrast the protagonist's motivations, enriching the story's dynamics.
4. Table reads allow writers to gauge how effectively character motivations are communicated through dialogue and action.
5. During rehearsals, actors rely on a deep understanding of their characters' motivations to create authentic performances that resonate with audiences.

Review Questions

• How does motivation influence the development of a protagonist in a story?
  • Motivation is crucial for a protagonist as it drives their actions and choices throughout the narrative. A well-defined motivation helps the audience connect with the character, creating empathy and investment in their journey. As the protagonist faces obstacles related to their motivation, it leads to conflict and growth, making their journey compelling and relatable.
• Discuss how supporting characters can enhance or challenge a protagonist's motivation within a script.
  • Supporting characters can either align with or oppose the protagonist's motivations, adding layers to the narrative. When they share similar goals, it creates collaboration and deeper connections. Conversely, when they challenge the protagonist’s motivations, it introduces conflict that propels the story forward. This dynamic is essential in illustrating different facets of motivation and enriching the overall narrative.
• Evaluate how understanding character motivation can impact the script analysis process during table reads and rehearsals.
  • Understanding character motivation during script analysis is vital for identifying key emotional beats and conflicts in a narrative. It enables writers and actors to assess whether motivations are clearly conveyed through dialogue and actions. In rehearsals, this understanding allows actors to portray their characters more authentically, ensuring that their performances resonate with the audience by aligning emotional depth with the characters' driving forces.

Related terms

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative and highlights characters' motivations.

Goal: A specific outcome or objective that a character strives to achieve, which is often influenced by their motivations.

Desire:

A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, which often serves as a key component of a character's motivation.