There are several things that readers and viewers need to know about every action a character takes. Below (in green) are a couple of links to short pieces that explore the actions and motivations of characters. Please click on each link, one at a time, and then answer the questions below for each of the characters. We will discuss procedures for writing and submitting work in class. Needless to say, you will publish these responses on your WordPress site. Write in complete sentences and strive to express yourself fully. Be sure to create a post for each character.
Basic Questions About Character Motivation:
- Who is the main character in the piece and what is the main motivation that drives the character? Readers must know the motivations behind a character’s actions if they want to care about them. Good writers don’t leave their readers in the dark; a character’s motivations must be clear as day.
- Where did their motivation come from? What drives the character to do what she/he does?
- What does the motivation say about the character? You’ve probably heard the phrase, actions speak louder than words, and it’s true. In literary terms, character actions speak louder than dialogue and exposition combined. Motivations and resulting actions reveal a lot about personality, backstory, and goals.
- How does the motivation and its resulting action affect others? Actions have consequences. A character’s motivations and actions affect the people around them. An action can lead to a negative or a positive consequence, but it is a consequence in either case. To make things more complex, a positive consequence can result from a negative motivation and vice-versa.
- What does the supporting cast think of the character’s motivations? People love to gossip about not only what others are doing, but why they are doing those things. Just the same, supporting characters have something to say about a character’s actions and motivations. What does the character think about the supporting characters’ opinions? Will their motivations change in the future or will they stay true to their current course?