The Secret to a Great Character — How to Write Character Motivation
What is Character Motivation — We look at how to write character motivation, and how it is pivotal to the success of a story.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Character Motivation
00:48 - Exploring Character Motivation
01:56 - Chapter 1: Types of Motivation
05:50 - Chapter 2: Establishing Motivation
11:11 - Chapter 3: Pursuing Motivation
17:03 - Takeaways
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GOOD CHARACTER MOTIVATION
Anything we do, we do for a reason. It may not be a reason we're aware of, but there is a reason nonetheless. The same goes for characters. When you are writing, you should have a keen understanding of why a character is doing what they're doing. This is called character motivation.
MASLOW'S HIERARCHY AND MOTIVATION
We can use Maslow's hierarchy to understand types of motivation. There are physiological needs, including basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Then there's safety and security, such as personal and financial stability. Next is love and belongingness— a character's need to fit into their community and find a romantic partner. Characters also pursue esteem, striving for self-confidence and recognition.
At the highest level, characters may seek self-actualization, which represents personal growth and fulfillment. In Whiplash, Andrew Neiman’s drive for excellence as a drummer is driven by interpersonal conflict with his demanding mentor and internal struggles about the mentor’s influence.
ESTABLISHING MOTIVATION TIPS
What good is motivation if it's not established? Dialogue can provide direct insights, as seen in Gladiator with Maximus’s declaration of vengeance. Backstory also reveals motivations, such as Walter White’s past in Breaking Bad, which fuels his quest for respect. Of course, what a character does also informs motivation.
PURSUING CHARACTER MOTIVATION
Characters may pursue their motivations linearly or through fluctuations. In a linear fashion, characters work steadily towards their goals, as seen in Erin Brockovich, where the protagonist strives to expose environmental issues. Alternatively, motivations may shift due to new revelations or personal growth, like in Juno, where the protagonist’s goals evolve from seeking an abortion to finding an adoptive family, and in Silver Linings Playbook, where Pat’s motivations change alongside his relationship with Tiffany.
Character motivation is omnipresent in narrative storytelling. Keep it in mind for your next project, or your protagonist may be aimless and scattered.
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♬ SONGS USED:
"The Room" - Tommy Wiseau, Mladen Milicevic
"A Scrap of Ribbon" - Thomas Newman
"Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangster" - Geto Boys & Scarface
"Hot House Rag" - Tyler Bates
"Desert Suite" - Brad Fiedel
"Humanity, Pt. 1" - Ennio Morricone
"Eyes on Fire" - Blue Foundation
"Succession Theme" - Nicholas Brittel
"Phil’s Piano Solo" - Terry Fryer
"Dmi Things From When She Was The Kitchen" - Jon Brion
"Brooks Was Here" - Thomas Newman
"The Land of the Rus" - Robin Carolan
"The Axiom" - Thomas Newman
"Mystery Math" - Danny Elfman
"Call Me Joker" - Hildur Guðnadóttir
"The Border" - Johan Johannsson
"Able-Bodied Seamen" — Jonny Greenwood
"Silencio" - Angelo Badalamenti
"Little Green Bag" - GeorgeBaker
"Cruella" - Nicholas Britell
"On The Plume" - Thomas Newman
"My Rollercoaster" - Kimya Dawson
"Eye to Eye" - John Williams
"Happy Ending" - Danny Elfman
"Hellboy (Main Title)" - Danny Elfman
"Cow" - Mark Mancina
"Main Titles (Beetlejuice)" - Danny Elfman
"Gonna Fly Now" - Bill Conti
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