Character Motivations
- Juniper Creek Editing & Literary Services
- Jan 7, 2016
- 1 min read
There are always reasons that we have for the things we do, feel, say, and believe. The same goes true for the characters in your story. When you are developing main characters, think about what motivates them. Think about the personality traits that you have given them. How do they react to stress, experience happiness, or treat others?
If you get stuck, think of specific people whom you know, or characters from your favorite story. Reflecting on these questions will help you to discover their motivations, and in turn will help with your writing.
People like to read books that offer well-developed characters to whom they can relate.
Some Examples of General Motivations:
BASIC
Survival ~ Failure ~ Peer Pressure ~ Curiosity ~ Desire ~ Instability
NOBLE Love ~ Loyalty ~ Honor ~ Obedience ~ Inequality ~ Vengeance ~ Unfulfillment
EVIL Hatred ~ Dishonor ~ Pride ~ Greed ~ Revenge ~ Lust ~ Jealousy
FEAR Death ~ Humiliation ~ Pain ~ Rejection ~ Loss ~ Regret ~ Shame
OTHER MOTIVATIONS Religion ~ Past Experiences ~ Relationships ~ Obligation ~ Culture & Society ~ Needs and Wants
Keep Writing!
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