Creating Compelling Characters (pt 4)
This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.
Motivations and GoalsWelcome to our fourth installment of exploring compelling character creation through the lens of the character template. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the power of motivations and personal goals that guide your characters forward and infuse a sense of purpose throughout their stories.
The template section
Motivations
First, let’s explore what drives a character to act, as these motivations shape their actions and decisions. For instance, [Character Name] seeks revenge against the pirate captain who destroyed her home village and killed her family out of a deep-rooted desire for justice and closure. Understanding a character’s motivation not only adds depth but also creates opportunities for engaging conflict resolution and character development.
Personal goals and desires
Moreover, every compelling character should have an ultimate goal or desire driving them forward. Consider [Character Name’s] dream of building a peaceful community where her people can live harmoniously with nature. This personal objective not only provides direction but also creates opportunities for growth and conflict as she faces the challenges that come her way.
Let’s look at it in practice. Remember, I built out the character sheet for Elara, before starting to write the story.
You can already see what is going to drive Elara’s action as she faces obstacles in her journey. Malachi (the antagonist of the tale) is the reason she has been cut off from her sisterhood. Since I’m early in the writing of her story, I can’t share how these traits, motivations, and goals have translated to the page, but I know they will
By understanding how motivations and personal goals contribute to compelling characters, we can effectively write engaging stories that resonate with readers by providing a clear sense of purpose and direction for our characters. Stay tuned as we continue our exploration of character development using the character template!
Up next: In the fifth blog post, we’ll discuss using the character template for emotional growth and progression throughout the story, which adds depth and complexity to your characters and creates opportunities for powerful, satisfying narratives. Don’t miss it!
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