Below are samples of the entries in our popular Character Motivation Thesaurus.
To see the completed version of this thesaurus, visit One Stop For Writers where it is a part of the largest fiction-focused description database available anywhere.
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Successful stories require many things, but one of the most important is a clear goal for your character.
Readers should know relatively early in the story what that goal is going to be. For authors to convey this, they need to have a clear understanding of what the character wants (outer motivation), and why he/she wants it (inner motivation). This thesaurus can help you brainstorm possible outer motivations for your character and show you what might factor into the story for each.
What Is a Character Motivation Thesaurus?
Achieving Spiritual Enlightenment
Beating a Diagnosis or Condition
Being Acknowledged and Appreciated by Family
Coming To Grips With Mental Illness
Escaping a Dangerous Life one Doesn’t Want
Escaping a Widespread Disaster
Finding Friendship or Companionship
Helping a Loved One See They Are Hurting Themselves and Others
Obtaining Shelter From The Elements
Overcoming Abuse and Learning To Trust
Protecting One’s Home or Property
Pursuing Justice For Oneself or Others
Reconciling with an Estranged Family Member
Rescuing a Loved One From a Captor
Restoring A Name or Reputation
Seeking Out One’s Biological Roots
Stopping an Event From Happening
Trying Again When One Has Previously Failed
Your blog is educating. Although I note your target audience appears to be writers, It helps to give better understanding to human nature. Motives behind our behaviours.