Desire

Definition

Desire is a powerful emotional state that drives characters to pursue their goals and fulfill their needs, often serving as a key motivator in storytelling. This longing can manifest in various forms, such as ambition, love, or even revenge, and can significantly influence a character's choices, relationships, and overall development throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desire can act as the engine of a story, pushing characters to take action and face challenges that lead to growth.
2. A character's desire can create tension and conflict within the narrative, especially when their goals are obstructed by external forces or other characters.
3. Characters often experience evolution in their desires over time; what they initially want may change as they encounter new experiences or revelations.
4. Desire is not always straightforward; it can be complex and multifaceted, revealing deeper psychological motivations that add depth to character development.
5. The fulfillment or failure of a character's desires is central to their journey, shaping not only their personal growth but also the overall themes of the story.

Review Questions

• How does desire function as a driving force for character actions in storytelling?
  • Desire serves as the core motivation behind a character's actions, pushing them to pursue their goals and confront obstacles. It creates urgency in the narrative and can lead to significant character development as they navigate the challenges posed by their desires. Understanding a character's desire helps readers grasp their motivations, making the story more relatable and engaging.
• In what ways can conflicting desires among characters create tension within a narrative?
  • When characters have conflicting desires, it generates internal and external conflicts that propel the plot forward. These tensions can lead to dramatic confrontations, complicating relationships and raising the stakes for the characters involved. For example, if one character desires love while another seeks revenge, their opposing motivations will create a charged atmosphere that enhances the overall narrative conflict.
• Evaluate how a character’s evolving desire influences their character arc and the overall message of a story.
  • A character's evolving desire can significantly impact their character arc by showcasing personal growth or transformation. As they encounter challenges that test their initial goals, they may reassess what truly matters to them. This evolution can lead to profound realizations about love, ambition, or morality, thus enriching the story's themes and messages. By analyzing this progression, readers can glean deeper insights into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Related terms

Motivation: The inner drive or reason behind a character's actions and decisions, closely tied to their desires.

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often arising from a character's desires clashing with obstacles or other characters' desires.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth that a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their desires and how they are challenged.