A character's desire is the driving force behind their actions and motivations. It's the engine that propels the story forward.
Understanding Character Desire
To understand what a character wants, consider the following:
- Internal Wants: These are the character's deepest desires, often related to personal growth, love, or belonging. For example, a character might desire to overcome their fear of public speaking, find true love, or be accepted by their family.
- External Wants: These are the character's tangible goals, such as obtaining wealth, power, or revenge. A character might want to win a competition, inherit a fortune, or expose a corrupt official.
- Obstacles: What stands in the way of the character achieving their wants? These obstacles create conflict and tension, driving the narrative forward.
Examples of Character Wants
Here are some examples of character wants:
- A young writer wants to publish their first novel. (Internal: Recognition, External: Publication)
- A detective wants to solve a murder mystery. (Internal: Justice, External: Finding the killer)
- A princess wants to break free from her arranged marriage. (Internal: Freedom, External: Escaping the marriage)
The Importance of Character Wants
Character wants are crucial for several reasons:
- They drive the plot: The character's actions are dictated by their desire to achieve their wants.
- They create conflict: The obstacles the character faces in pursuing their wants generate tension and conflict.
- They make characters relatable: Readers connect with characters who have relatable desires and struggles.
By understanding what your character wants, you can craft a compelling story that engages your audience and leaves a lasting impact.
