How to Write Good

Character Motivation vs. Character Goal: They Are Not the Same Thing


Listen Later

Nicholas Cage seeks to steal the Declaration of Independence. Indiana Jones is searching for the Holy Grail. Luke Skywalker is trying to become a Jedi. Forrest Gump? I think his goals change throughout the story, but in the movie, he is usually trying to find Jenny. Each of these characters are going after something. Each is moving toward a specific goal, but the entire story is not told simply by knowing what goal these characters are after. We need more information. A story with only a goal is an uninteresting story, and I might go so far as to say that it isn't a story. To make our stories interesting, we need to give our hero both goals and motivation.
"But wait," you say, "aren't those two very different words one and the same?"
It is extremely important to know the difference between the goals and motivations of a character because together they can help you write a very powerful story indeed.

My Book:
https://amzn.to/31UcCPg

My Newsletter:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/a1r2k2

My Episode on Tension:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/32320909

My Website:
www.danielpoppie.com

HTWG Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/howtowritegood

HTWG Twitter:
https://twitter.com/danielpoppie

HTWG Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/danielpoppie

One Last Toast for Ebenezer Fleet:
https://www.spreaker.com/show/one-last-toast-for-ebenezer-fleet
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

How to Write GoodBy Daniel Poppie

  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5
  • 4.5

4.5

17 ratings