π Understanding Character Motivation
Character motivation is the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions in a story. It answers the question: Why does a character do what they do? Understanding and effectively portraying character motivation is crucial for creating believable and engaging stories.
π A Brief History
The concept of character motivation has been present in storytelling since ancient times. Early myths and legends often attributed actions to divine intervention or fate. However, as literature evolved, writers began to explore more complex and internal reasons for character behavior, delving into psychology, desires, and personal histories.
π Key Principles of Character Motivation
- π― Goals: What does the character want to achieve? This could be anything from finding love to saving the world.
- π¨ Fears: What is the character afraid of? This can be a powerful motivator, driving them to avoid certain situations or make specific choices.
- π Needs: What fundamental needs (physical, emotional, psychological) drive the character? Maslow's hierarchy of needs can be a useful framework.
- π Values: What does the character believe in? Their values will influence their decisions and shape their actions.
- β³ Backstory: How has the character's past shaped their present motivations? Past traumas, successes, and relationships can all play a significant role.
βοΈ Writing Prompts for Exploring Character Motivation
Here are several prompts to help you dive into character motivation in your 7th grade creative writing:
π₯ Prompt 1: The Misunderstood Hero
- β Scenario: A character performs an act that appears villainous, but their true motivation is to protect someone.
- π€ Explore: What is the character protecting? Why can't they reveal their true intentions? What are the consequences of their actions?
π Prompt 2: The Unlikely Friendship
- π€ Scenario: Two characters from completely different backgrounds become friends, despite initial animosity.
- π± Explore: What motivates them to overcome their differences? What needs do they fulfill for each other? What obstacles do they face?
π°οΈ Prompt 3: The Time Traveler's Dilemma
- π Scenario: A character travels back in time with the intention of changing a past event.
- βοΈ Explore: What event are they trying to change? What are the potential consequences of altering the past? What personal motivations drive their actions?
π Prompt 4: The Secret Identity
- π΅οΈ Scenario: A character leads a double life, hiding their true identity from their friends and family.
- π€ Explore: What is their secret identity? Why are they keeping it hidden? What are the risks and rewards of maintaining this double life?
ποΈ Prompt 5: The Lost Treasure
- π° Scenario: A character embarks on a quest to find a lost treasure, facing numerous challenges along the way.
- πΊοΈ Explore: What is the treasure? Why is it important to the character? What sacrifices are they willing to make to find it?
π± Prompt 6: The Runaway
- π Scenario: A character runs away from home, seeking a new life and escaping their current circumstances.
- π Explore: What are they running away from? What are their hopes and dreams for the future? What challenges do they face on their journey?
π¨ Prompt 7: The Unexpected Artist
- πΌοΈ Scenario: A character who is known for something completely different discovers a hidden talent for art.
- β¨ Explore: How does this new talent impact their life? What motivates them to pursue their artistic passion? How does it change their relationships with others?
π‘ Conclusion
By exploring these prompts and focusing on the internal motivations of your characters, you can create stories that are rich, compelling, and deeply resonant with your readers. Remember to ask yourself: What truly drives my character, and how does that influence their actions and choices?