Character Motivation: What Drives Your Character?

A compelling character needs a reason to act, a spark that fuels every decision they make. That spark is motivation. Whether it’s something they want, something they need, or something they’re trying to avoid, motivation gives your character direction, urgency, and emotional depth.

A character’s motivations are shaped by their past experiences, core beliefs and values, desires and fears, relationships with other characters, and the external circumstances or conflicts they face.

Internal vs. External Motivation

• External Motivation is driven by outside forces, rewards, or pressures. The character is motivated to act because of something they want to gain, avoid, or prove in the external world. Examples: money, social approval, fear of punishment, duty, recognition, competition.
• Internal Motivation comes from within the character, rooted in their emotions, desires, beliefs, values, or identity. The character is motivated to act because it feels meaningful, fulfilling, or aligned with who they are. Examples: the desire for freedom, belonging, purpose, redemption, or self-worth.

Most powerful characters are driven by a mix of both. The external goal propels the plot, while the internal need drives the emotional journey.

Brainstorm Character Motivation

1. What does your character want most right now? Why?

2. What do they need, even if they don’t realise it yet?

3. What belief, fear, or past experience is driving their motivation?

4. What are they willing to sacrifice to get what they want?

5. Complete this sentence from your character’s point of view: ‘If I can just __________, then everything will be okay.’

6. Complete this sentence from your character’s point of view: ‘I need to __________ because deep down I believe __________.’

7. Write a short monologue from your character’s point of view, explaining why they must achieve their goal, as if trying to convince someone else (or themselves).

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