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Ana muses about how characters' motivations help with plotting a story.
As I understand it, in a character driven story, the protagonist has to have something that motivates her (or him) at the beginning of the story. A goal or a problem.
Problems could be boredom. Paralyzing self-doubt. A threat from a dystopian overlord. Lack of money. Abusive boyfriend. Lack of money. Cruel step-mother.
Goals: make partner in the law firm. Win a beauty pageant. Marry the man she loves--but doesn't know she exists. Meet the man of her dreams. Ignore her marriage-obsessed mother and not think about men at all. Finish her current job and take a badly needed vacation. Go on the honeymoon trip even though she got left at the altar.
Once the story world in introduced, the protagonist's "plan" to achieving her initial goal defines Act 1 of the story. Then things have to get complicated. A new character appears who blocks her path, who interrupts with his mere presence, who won't take no for an answer.
Thinking of the what-ifs--what if he does this, then she would do this-- helps me draft a story arc. Different arcs come to mind, but gradually one rises to the top of the heap. Since all stories are the archetypal themes retold in a new way, I settle on one and start outlining.
The outline will get revised after the first attempt as well as as I write. New ideas pop up. Dead ends become clear. The first draft is round, but the character's motivations and goals are more set. I know the characters better. And I see more obstacles to throw in her path.
Great post. As I'm just about to start writing a new story this was a timely reminder of what I need to think about.
ReplyDeleteI find that my characters have a multitude of motives - some minor, some major, some short-term, some long-term. Sometimes one 'motive' may conflict with another, or may even disappear altogether, or be revealed as an error o judgement. Most times, my characters, like 'real people', don't actually have an overriding motive, but rather a combination of different motives at different times.
ReplyDeleteTrue, life is an evolution, but we generally have (and characters have) one or two deep-seated fears or needs. Then life piles on and forces us to make choices.
DeleteGreat post, Ana. I usually have an easier time identifying internal motives than external, but both are essential.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Jen!
DeleteThe opposite is true for me. I have to really dig to identify my character's core inner motives.
I tend to have a general idea of motivation (both internal and external) when I start a story, but they definitely get refined and more detailed as the story progresses and I get to know my characters.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Debra!
DeleteI agree!!!