Fantasy Mindscape:
Breathing Life into Characters Through Psychology
5. Psychology and Writing Advice
Character Motivations and Goals
Understanding the motives that drive your characters is a linchpin in the art of storytelling, an essential element that transforms flat characters into complex, three-dimensional figures. It’s the motive that drives action, that propels your character into the tumultuous sea of conflict, choices, and consequences. While personality psychology gives us a foundational understanding of a character’s innate traits and tendencies, classic writing advice focuses on the “what” and “why” of a character’s actions—what they want to achieve (goal) and why they want to achieve it (motive). Merging these two aspects can result in a compelling, multifaceted character who not only possesses depth but also has clear and understandable driving forces that move the plot forward.
For example, consider a character who scores high in Conscientiousness. This trait suggests a person who is organized, responsible, and goal-oriented. Now, let’s give this character a motive: perhaps they want to overthrow a corrupt government. Their Conscientiousness will influence how they go about achieving this goal. They might spend time carefully planning a revolt, considering every detail and contingency. But if this highly Conscientious character has a motive rooted in revenge, their approach to overthrowing the government could become more impassioned and personal, adding layers of complexity to their actions and decisions.
Understanding motives can also add nuance to character relationships and conflicts. If two characters have the same goal but different motives, this can create an intriguing dynamic. For instance, two warriors might want to defeat the same enemy, but one seeks glory while the other seeks justice. Their differing motives will not only influence their individual approaches to achieving the goal but could also lead to conflict between them, adding additional layers of tension and unpredictability to the story.
The environment and external circumstances in your story will also interact with your characters’ motives, providing challenges that either thwart or facilitate their plans. A character’s motive to protect their family at all costs will manifest differently in a peaceful setting versus a war-torn land, for instance. Their personality traits will influence how they adapt to these external challenges—perhaps their high Neuroticism leads them to perceive dangers to their family where there are none, complicating their quest.
In sum, understanding your characters’ motives enriches not only the characters themselves but also the overall narrative. When we bridge the gap between the psychological foundations of who a character is and the tangible goals and motives that drive them, we create living, breathing entities who are not just believable but also compelling. These are characters who readers can root for or against, love or hate, but ultimately, never forget. By combining the insights from personality psychology with classic writing advice on motives and goals, you have the opportunity to craft a narrative that resonates deeply, both emotionally and intellectually, with your audience.
Linking Personality to Motivations
Linking personality to motivations is a pivotal step in developing multifaceted characters that resonate with readers. When we understand a character’s inherent traits, we can more readily predict or create believable motivations for them. For instance, consider a character with high Extraversion. This person thrives on social interactions, draws energy from being around others, and might have a love for adventure. Therefore, it stands to reason that their motivations could be geared towards gaining social status, forming numerous friendships, or seeking new and exciting experiences. Such motivations would naturally lend themselves to plot points that involve public events, social dilemmas, or dynamic group settings.
Conversely, let’s look at an introverted character. This is someone who finds solace in solitude, feels drained by excessive social interactions, and may prefer a deep dive into introspection or a singular subject matter. They might be motivated by desires for independence, a deeper understanding of a chosen field, or even spiritual enlightenment. Here, the story arc could involve a journey of self-discovery, quests for ancient knowledge, or complex puzzles that require intense concentration. The focus would likely be inward, driving plots that revolve around personal growth or solving intricate problems.
Understanding how personality traits tie into motivations can also help writers craft secondary characters that enhance the main character’s journey. For example, a secondary character with low Conscientiousness might act as a foil to a main character with high Conscientiousness and a serious, world-changing goal. The former’s lack of discipline and planning can bring conflict into the main character’s life, making their journey toward their goal more difficult—and therefore more compelling. This kind of character contrast can enrich the narrative and provide opportunities for both conflict and growth for all characters involved.
It’s also worth noting that the relationship between personality and motivation isn’t static; it can evolve as the character develops or as circumstances change. For instance, an extraverted character who initially seeks social status might, over the course of the narrative, realize the superficiality of their ambition and begin to seek more meaningful connections or a greater purpose. This change not only reflects character development but also provides new avenues for the story to explore.
Linking personality to motivations can be a transformative tool in character development. It allows for a more organic understanding of why a character would choose a certain path, engage in particular activities, or react in a specific way to challenges. With this nuanced understanding, writers can create character-driven narratives that feel both authentic and compelling, drawing readers into the fictional world and making them invested in the characters’ individual journeys.
Classic Writing Advice on Clear Goals
The notion of characters needing clear goals is a staple of writing advice, often touted by leading fantasy authors and writing instructors alike. A character’s goals are the backbone of the narrative, propelling the plot and providing an emotional arc for the readers to follow. The more clearly these goals are defined, the easier it is for the reader to invest in the character’s journey, cheering for their successes and lamenting their setbacks. This clarity provides the lens through which all of the character’s decisions are viewed, making the story more engaging and cohesive. For example, if a young sorcerer’s goal is to find a lost magical artifact, every decision they make would likely be in service of that aim, making their actions both predictable and justifiable, which in turn increases reader engagement.
But when you add the layer of a character’s underlying personality traits, the narrative gains depth and becomes exponentially more compelling. By aligning the character’s goals with their inherent personality traits, you create an organic drive that feels both believable and urgent. For instance, if a character with high levels of Agreeableness has a goal to broker peace between warring factions, not only does the goal make sense, but it also allows for nuanced conflict and tension. The character’s naturally conciliatory and empathetic nature would make them suited for diplomatic endeavors but might also make them vulnerable to more cunning or aggressive personalities.
In contrast, a character with low levels of Agreeableness might have goals centered around personal power or achieving a task irrespective of the social costs. They wouldn’t be bothered by stepping on a few toes to get what they want. Their journey might include moments where they have to decide between softening their approach to achieve their ends or sticking to their aggressive, conflict-driven methods. These decisions, influenced by their personality traits, add layers of complexity to the story, enriching the narrative.
When your characters’ goals are clear and deeply rooted in their personalities, it makes for a dynamic, driving force in your story. Not only do you give your characters direction, but you also provide a coherent rationale for why they pursue these specific goals. This alignment between traits and goals creates opportunities for internal and external conflicts, character development, and a more intricate plot. As a writer, you can utilize these complexities to develop subplots, plot twists, and climactic moments that are organically woven into the fabric of your characters’ lives.
So, while the advice to give characters “clear goals” is classic for a reason, its power multiplies when paired with a keen understanding of the characters’ underlying psychology. By doing so, you’re not merely putting characters on a stage and pushing them in a direction; you’re breathing life into them, giving them personal reasons for their quests, and in turn, creating a narrative engine that not only drives the story forward but does so in a way that feels authentic and deeply human.
Examples from Fantasy Literature
Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” serves as an exemplary model for how personality traits and character goals can interlock to drive a narrative. Frodo’s high levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness become evident early on. He is careful, diligent, and highly concerned with doing what’s right, which fuels his willingness to take on the monumental task of destroying the One Ring. These traits also make him a beloved member of his community, fostering relationships that will become pivotal as the story progresses. His personality, in essence, gives a strong why to his quest, rendering his actions and sacrifices believable and emotionally impactful.
This alignment of personality traits and goals creates a compelling internal and external conflict that forms the backbone of the story. Internally, Frodo’s agreeableness and conscientiousness are both his strengths and his vulnerabilities. His genuine care for others motivates him to move forward but also leaves him susceptible to the Ring’s corrupting influence, which promises the power to protect those he loves. Externally, these traits influence how other characters interact with him. For example, Samwise Gamgee’s loyalty to Frodo is partly a reflection of Frodo’s own agreeable and conscientious nature. The intricate interplay between personality and goals also shapes the dynamics within the Fellowship of the Ring, creating opportunities for tension, growth, and the forging of deep bonds.
Frodo’s journey exemplifies the ripple effect that personality-driven goals can have on the plot and character development. Because his goal to destroy the One Ring arises naturally from his personality traits, each trial he faces also becomes a test of his inherent qualities. This means that when Frodo experiences doubt or temptation, it isn’t just a plot point but an existential crisis, which adds layers of depth to his character arc. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for him to either reaffirm or reassess his values, making his journey as much internal as it is external.
Additionally, because Frodo’s traits and goals are so well aligned, they provide a coherent framework for his interactions with the story’s antagonists and obstacles. His agreeableness and conscientiousness dictate not only how he approaches problems but also how he reacts to the people who stand in his way. Whether it’s showing mercy to Gollum or enduring the treacherous paths of Mordor, his actions are consistent with who he has been established to be, which enhances the story’s overall cohesion and believability.
To sum it up, Frodo Baggins is a prime example of how understanding a character’s psychology can add multiple dimensions to a fantasy narrative. By aligning his inherent personality traits with his overarching goal, Tolkien created a character who is not only deeply relatable but also complex and dynamic. This synergy between personality and motivation turns the story into an emotionally resonant journey, elevating it from mere plot progression to a timeless tale of heroism, sacrifice, and the human spirit.
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Last Modified: 09/29/2023