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!
