Creating compelling characters in narrative writing hinges significantly on two crucial elements: objectives and motivations. Understanding and effectively incorporating these aspects can transform flat characters into vivid, three-dimensional figures whose journeys captivate readers and drive the plot. This deep dive will explore what objectives and motivations are, how they differ, and the role they play in character development, illustrated with examples for clarity.
What are Objectives?
Objectives in literary terms refer to what a character actively desires to achieve during the course of a story. These are concrete goals, the physical or tangible targets a character strives toward. Objectives can be as grand as saving a kingdom or as simple as wanting to win a local competition. They are external achievements and are usually specific and measurable.
For example, in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry’s objective is to protect the Sorcerer's Stone from falling into the wrong hands. This objective shapes his actions throughout the plot, leading him to make certain decisions and align with particular characters.
What are Motivations?
Motivations, on the other hand, are the internal drives behind the objectives. They answer the 'why' behind a character's actions. Motivations are rooted in the character’s personality, background, and emotional landscape. They are often influenced by a character's desires, fears, or obligations and are typically more complex and abstract than objectives.
In the same example of Harry Potter, while Harry's objective is to protect the stone, his motivation stems from a deeper desire to defy the dark forces that orphaned him. This motivation is not just about the stone; it is also about proving his worth, finding his place in the wizarding world, and fighting against the evil represented by Voldemort.
The Interplay between Objectives and Motivations
The beauty of objectives and motivations lies in their interplay. Objectives can change as the story progresses, but motivations tend to be more constant, driving multiple objectives throughout the narrative. The alignment or misalignment of these elements can add layers to the story and the characters.
For instance, consider Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet’s initial objective may seem to be finding a suitable marriage, but her motivation—her desire for personal happiness and respect in a society governed by stringent social rules—drives her actions more profoundly. Her motivations lead her to reject Mr. Collins, despite the apparent advantage his proposal offers, demonstrating how motivations can overrule more immediate and apparent objectives.
Developing Objectives and Motivations
When developing characters, writers should clearly define both objectives and motivations, as this clarity helps maintain consistency in character behavior and makes their actions understandable to readers.
Identifying Objectives: Start by determining what your character wants in the context of the plot. This should be specific and clear. Ask yourself, "What does my character want to achieve by the end of this scene, chapter, or book?"
Uncovering Motivations: Dig deeper into why your character wants these things. This often involves exploring their background, psychological makeup, and emotional traumas or triumphs. Motivations can be complex and might not be immediately apparent to the reader—or sometimes even to the character themselves.
Using Objectives and Motivations to Drive the Plot: Use the character's objectives and motivations to push the plot forward. Objectives can create immediate tension and conflict, while motivations can add emotional depth and resonance to these conflicts.
Examples in Depth
Take, for example, a character named Clara, who is a young lawyer. Her objective might be to win her first major case. However, her motivation is driven by her background as the daughter of immigrants, which instills in her a deep-seated need to prove her capabilities and secure her family’s pride.
Another example could be Leo, a retired policeman turned private detective, whose objective is to solve a missing person’s case. His motivation, rooted in his unresolved guilt over a past failed case, compels him to restore his self-esteem and fulfill his sense of duty.
Conclusion
Understanding and articulating the objectives and motivations of characters are foundational to creating stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. As writers, delving into these aspects not only enriches your characters but also enhances the overall narrative structure, engaging your readers with characters that feel real and actions that are grounded in believable human psychology.
