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Explore the reasons why characters do what they do in a story.
Have you ever wondered why your best friend shared their lunch, or why a superhero decides to save the day? Every person—and every character in a book—has a secret 'engine' inside them that makes them move!
In a story, characters do things all the time. They might run a race, build a robot, or hide under a bed. The reason why they do these things is called motivation. Think of motivation like the engine of a car; it is the force that pushes the character to act. Without motivation, a story would be very boring because characters would just sit around doing nothing! When you ask yourself, 'Why did they do that?', you are looking for the character's motivation. Usually, motivation comes from something the character wants or something they feel.
Quick Check
What is the special word for the 'reason' a character does something?
Answer
Motivation
Every motivated character has a goal. A goal is the 'prize' or the 'result' the character is trying to reach. If motivation is the why, the goal is the what. For example, if a character is hungry, their motivation is hunger, and their goal is to find a snack. To find the goal, look at the character's actions and ask: 'What are they trying to get?' or 'Where are they trying to go?'
1. The Action: Leo drags a heavy chair across the kitchen floor. 2. The Situation: There is a jar of colorful cookies on the very top shelf. 3. The Goal: Leo wants to reach the cookies. 4. The Motivation: Leo is hungry and loves chocolate chips!
Quick Check
If a character is practicing soccer every single day, what is a likely goal they might have?
Answer
Their goal might be to win a game or make the school team.
Characters don't just act because they want 'things' like cookies or trophies. Often, they act because of how they feel. Feelings like fear, happiness, anger, or loneliness are powerful motivators. A character who feels lonely might choose to go to a park to find a friend. A character who feels brave might choose to explore a dark cave. By understanding a character's emotions, we can predict the choices they will make next!
1. The Feeling: Sarah feels nervous because it is her first day at a new school. 2. The Choice: Instead of playing at recess, Sarah sits on a bench and watches the other kids. 3. The Connection: Her feeling (nervousness) led to her choice (staying on the bench) because she is afraid of talking to strangers.
Imagine a character named Pip. Pip is a tiny mouse who is terrified of cats. However, Pip's best friend is trapped in a room with a sleeping cat. Pip decides to sneak into the room. 1. The Conflict: Pip feels fear, but also feels love for his friend. 2. The Motivation: His love for his friend is stronger than his fear. 3. The Goal: To rescue his friend without waking the cat.
Which of these is the best definition of 'motivation'?
If a character is feeling 'lonely,' which action are they MOST likely to take?
A character can have a goal without having a motivation.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the 'Car Engine' analogy. What part of a story is like the engine?
Practice Activity
While watching your favorite cartoon today, pause it and ask: 'What does this character want right now?' and 'How are they feeling?'