From KMW: As “the lie that tells the truth,” fiction only works when it is able to present a reasonable facsimile of reality. At the level of plot, it does this by creating a string of causes and effects that feel plausible. The foundation of this plausibility is the greatest “cause” of them all: character motivation.
There are many ways to approach character motivation. You might start with the motive and see what actions result. Or you might start out knowing what you want to see happen in the plot, then work backward to determine a reasonable motive for such actions. Either way, if the character’s motive works, then so will the plot. If not, the whole story will be in jeopardy.
Today, I’m happy to share with you a post from editor and author C.S. Lakin, in which she dives into some foundational considerations for choosing and fleshing out the best motivations for your characters and your plot.
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In the vast world of fiction, characters are the lifeblood of every story. Whether you’re writing a short story or embarking on an epic novel, crafting compelling characters is essential for drawing readers into your world. Among the myriad elements that make up a character’s identity, motivation stands at the forefront. Character motivation serves as the driving force behind actions, decisions, and evolution throughout your narrative.
But how can you ensure that your characters’ motivations are not only engaging but will also resonate deeply with your readers?
7 Tips to Craft Can’t-Look-Away Character Motivation
Let’s look at seven invaluable tips to help you create characters who not only come alive on the page but who also stay with your readers long after they’ve finished reading the last page.
1. Avoid Useless and Boring Descriptions
Characterization begins with your characters’ physical and emotional attributes, but it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of generic descriptions. Instead, immerse readers in the character’s point of view (POV). By describing characters through the lens of your characters’ thoughts, emotions, and experiences, you make them relatable and breathe life into your storytelling.
Instead of providing a laundry list of physical traits, allow your protagonist to shape the description based on their perspective, mood, emotions, and experiences. Let readers see other characters as your protagonist does, filtered through the narrator’s unique voice and personality. This approach not only enhances character depth but also immerses readers in the protagonist’s world.
2. Motivation Is Everything
Motivation serves as the backbone of every character’s journey in your story, from the protagonist to the antagonist and even the secondary characters. Motivation is the invisible force driving their actions and decisions. It’s the heartbeat of your narrative.
Begin by understanding that every character, regardless of their role, must possess a clear and believable motivation. Your protagonist’s inner motivation creates propulsion toward an overarching goal, while the antagonist’s motivation needs to create obstacles to the protagonist’s progress.
Start by identifying your characters’ primary motivations, which align with their visible goals within the story. This motivation should be rooted in past experiences, personality traits, and background. Characters should never act on a whim or without reason. Instead, their actions should emerge naturally from their intrinsic drives and external circumstances. Let that motivation drive the plot from start to finish.
3. Put In the Work
Creating well-motivated characters demands dedication and effort. Avoid shortcuts and resist the temptation to take the easy route of vague motivations such as “they just feel like it.” As a writer, you owe it to readers to deliver more than superficial characters who act without reason.
To infuse depth into your characters, invest time in exploring their past, wounds, fears, passions, and beliefs. Recognize that the process of character development is an essential aspect of writing fiction. If you’re serious about storytelling, commit to the laborious task of constructing multidimensional characters.
4. Give Characters Room to Breathe
While it’s crucial to invest in thorough character development, you don’t need to create exhaustive character biographies before you start writing. Allow your characters room to evolve naturally during the writing process. Sometimes characters surprise you with their actions and insights as you let them breathe on the page.
Writing is a dynamic partnership between the author and the characters. Provide enough depth and background to bring your characters to life but also give them freedom to grow within the context of your scenes. This balance ensures that your characters remain true to their core motivations while evolving organically throughout the story.
5. Focus on the Big Picture—Premise and Core Need
Effective character development begins with a deep understanding of your character’s primary motivation and how it aligns with the story’s premise. Your characters’ goal is the central focus of your plot, and their inner motivation serves as the driving force that propels them toward achieving that goal. Every scene should seamlessly align with this overarching motivation.
Distinguish between your character’s inner motivation (core need) and their goal-driven motivation. The core need is an integral aspect of personality and subconscious motivation, while the goal-driven motivation is tied directly to the external plot.
6: Explore the Wound
To create truly compelling characters, delve into their past experiences and emotional wounds that shape their motivations. Consider the emotional and psychological scars that influence their fears, insecurities, and behaviors.
Take a moment to reflect on your own life and consider what motivates your goals. Apply this introspection to your characters. Understand that their pasts, upbringing, and life events are the ingredients that contribute to their unique motivations.
7. Keep It Relatable—The Three M’s
The easiest way to remember all these points is to reflect on the 3 M’s: Mindset, Motivation, and Mood. These elements provide readers with immediate insight into your character’s state of mind, what drives them, and their emotional context.
1. Mindset
Portray your character’s current state of mind, attitude, and immediate concerns. Avoid creating characters who are entirely carefree or devoid of inner conflicts. A character’s mindset should be influenced by motivations and past experiences.
2. Motivation
Convey why your character is taking specific actions or pursuing certain goals. Everything your character does should be rooted in sound motivations that are informed by past experiences and personality traits.
3. Mood
Reflect your character’s mood through thoughts, actions, and dialogue. Connect mood to mindset, highlighting how the character’s inner world influences behavior.
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Crafting character motivation is an art form that enhances your storytelling. These seven tips provide a roadmap for creating characters that not only captivate readers but also drive your plot forward and emotionally attach readers to your characters. Characters with well-defined motivations are the heart of a compelling story. Invest the time and effort needed to bring them to life on the page, and watch as your readers become deeply engaged in the worlds you create.
