I’ve come to realize that the consistent foundation of telling stories with characters that truly feel alive lies in understanding their goals and motivations. Every human action, no matter how small, has a reason behind it — even something as simple as getting up to fetch a glass of water.
Lately, when I write, I try to remember that every character wants something in that moment. Sometimes that want comes from within… a desire, a fear, a dream. Other times, it’s something assigned to them by the world …an expectation, a responsibility or a curse.
It is more interesting though, when a character’s personal motive clashes with what’s been imposed on them. That friction reveals who they really are deep down.
And that’s real life too. Every day we face the same collision between what we want and what’s expected of us. What we decide to do when the two meet …that’s the real story, the revelation of character.