Small Group- 7B Character Motivation

Character Motivation & Plot Development: Understanding Story Elements

Understanding Character Motivation

Character motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions and decisions

Internal motivations: Feelings, desires, fears, beliefs

External motivations: Other people, events, circumstances

Example: In "Spongebob Squarepants," Plankton is motivated by his desire for the Krabby Patty secret formula.

Open Ended

What is something that motivates you at school? Answer in a complete sentence.

At school I am motivated by...

How Motivation Affects Plot

Character choices drive the story forward

Key plot elements influenced by motivation:

• Conflict development

• Rising action

• Climax

• Resolution

Open Ended

How would the story Red Roses ended differently if Lila had not accepted the roses from Derek?

Analyzing Character Decisions

• What does the character want?

• Why does the character want it?

• What obstacles stand in their way?

• How do their choices affect others?

Open Ended

Describe a time when a character's motivation led to an important decision in a story you've read. What was the impact?