Writing Tips: How to Craft Strong Character Motivation
There’s an age-old saying in theater, film, and writing that’s along the lines of ‘in every scene, your character should want something—even if it’s just a glass of water.’ I thought of this as I was rewatching the Fall Guy (yes, the movie where Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman turned bounty hunter—if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you should definitely check it out, it’s my favorite movie of 2024 so far… but I digress). The most noteworthy thing about this action-packed romantic comedy is the stunts—but there’s also some incredible writing. One thing I noticed: the main character is in desperate need of coffee. He asks for it at least three times, and just as many times we see him getting close to reaching this goal only to have it dashed by a broken coffee machine or a ninja-trained actress charging at him with a sword. It makes for some hilarious scenes and gets us to emphasize with his character. When we left the movie theater, my wife turned to me and said ‘I loved the movie, but I feel bad he never got his coffee!”
Of course, his motivation is deeper than just coffee—he wants to win back the girl he loves, find a missing actor, etc. But in the early scenes, his most immediate and relatable desire was simply coffee.
And getting an audience invested in a character wanting coffee isn’t easy. Here’s what goes into it:
Know Your Character’s Goals: Every character needs a goal, whether it's a long-term aspiration or a short-term objective. This is a great opportunity to flesh out your character by asking questions such as: What drives them? What’s the best thing that can happen to them? What’s the worst? Once you have their big-picture goal, such as ‘win back my ex-girlfriend’, see if there are any smaller more immediate goals that can make your character more personal, especially in scenes that don’t tie into this big-picture goal. We may not all be able to relate to doing cannon rolls to impress our ex-girlfriend turned movie director, but most of us can relate to feeling in over our heads and wanting a cup of coffee after an overnight international flight.
Establish Stakes: To keep your character motivated, establish stakes that matter. What does your character stand to gain or lose in each scene? Even a seemingly mundane action like getting a cup of coffee can carry weight if it’s tied to something significant, like meeting someone important or taking a moment to reflect on a critical decision.
Get Emotional: No, you don’t need to have your character sobbing to a Taylor Swift song, but it’s helpful to tie your character’s motivations to their emotional state. Are they seeking comfort, trying to escape anxiety, or looking for a moment of joy? Emotions are a universal language that readers connect with, making your character’s actions more relatable and engaging.
Reflect: As the story progresses, your character’s actions and motivations should reflect their personal growth and development. As they evolve, their goals should too. Make sure this is incorporated through actions, dialogue, or interior reflection.
Incorporate Subtext: Subtext can be a powerful way to show motivation without stating it outright. Perhaps your character’s need for coffee is a cover for something deeper, like a desire for something to go right in a chaotic world where everything is going wrong. This can add depth to your storytelling.
Ask Why: In every scene, ask yourself why your character is doing what they’re doing. If the answer isn’t clear, dig deeper. Understanding the “why” behind every action, no matter how small, will keep your character motivated and your story compelling.
Remember, motivation is the heartbeat of your character’s journey. It’s what transforms a simple action into a meaningful moment and keeps readers invested in your story. So, next time your character reaches for that cup of coffee, make sure they’re doing it with purpose and intention—and if you really want to get your readers routing for them, have the mug break before it reaches their lips!
Writing Resources for Aspiring Authors
Are you an aspiring author ready to take your writing game to the next level? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you're just starting out or looking to hone your craft, I've put together a list of resources I’ve found helpful in my own writing journey. You can find them on the ‘writing resources’ page of my website, here.
I've curated a list of my favorite books, websites, podcasts, and exercises to help aspiring authors sharpen their skills and unlock their creative potential. Whether you're struggling with plot structure, characterization, or finding your voice, I hope these resources will inspire and guide you on your writing journey.
Aren’t seeing what you’re looking for? You’re always welcome to contact me with writing-related questions—I love helping fellow authors out (especially fellow queer authors!).
Dive into the world of writing craft and discover the tools and techniques that will help you become the author you've always dreamed of being. And remember, the most important thing is to keep writing, keep learning, and never give up on yourself!
Advice for aspiring authors
An aspiring author recently asked me what the most valuable lessons I learned from my journey as an indie author. Since every author’s writing journey is different, it’s tough to offer universal ‘advice’—one author may need to learn to cut unnecessary descriptions while another may need to add sensory details, drawing out their descriptions. So, after careful consideration, I’ve put together the following list of advice I wished I’d received earlier in my writing career that I think could apply to most authors:
Embrace the Messiness of First Drafts: One of the most pivotal lessons I've learned is to embrace the messiness of first drafts. Writing is a process, and those initial drafts are often rough around the edges. It’s often better to keep going and crank out scenes that you can rearrange later or add notes to yourself in the margins than to go back and re-write/edit your story from scratch mid-draft. Otherwise, you could get stuck restarting the same story 10+ times and never finishing it (yes, I know from experience!).
Find Inspiration in Unexpected Places: Inspiration can strike at the most unexpected times and in the most unlikely places. Whether it's a snippet of overheard conversation, a vivid dream, or a seemingly mundane observation, train yourself to be open to inspiration wherever it may appear. I used to keep a notebook on me (now I use the Notes app on my phone) to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes. You never know when a fleeting moment could spark the idea for your next masterpiece.
Trust in the Power of Revision: Revision is where the real magic happens. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the editing process. It's where you refine your story, sharpen your prose, and breathe life into your characters. Remember, writing is rewriting—so embrace the opportunity to polish your work until it shines.
Celebrate Your Progress (not in comparison to others): I was on the swim team as a kid (this is relevant to writing, I promise) and I would often glance side to side to see where my opponents were. I'd lose precious seconds checking, and sometimes it would cost me the race. My dad told me to keep my eyes ahead and swim as if I was the only one in the pool. That was all it took for me to start winning. This wisdom applies to writing as well. Remember, your progress is more important than someone else’s success or failure, so don't be too wrapped up in measuring yourself through comparison. Enjoy the process and savor every victory, even the small ones.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The writing journey is never-ending, and there's always something new to learn. Stay curious, explore different genres and styles, and never stop honing your craft. Whether it's attending workshops, reading craft books, or simply immersing yourself in great literature, keep feeding your creativity and expanding your horizons.
I hope you find these insights helpful as you embark on your own writing adventures. Remember, writing is a deeply personal and rewarding pursuit, so trust in your voice, embrace the process, and never stop chasing your literary dreams. Happy writing!