What is a character's motivation?

A character's motivation refers to the underlying reasons that drive their actions and behaviors within a story. It explains what the character wants to achieve and what influences their decisions, shaping their responses to the situations they encounter. Understanding a character's motivation helps readers connect more deeply with the narrative, as it adds depth to the character and provides insight into their goals, desires, and conflicts.

The background story of the character provides context but does not directly explain why they act in certain ways. A character's relationship with others can influence their actions but is not the fundamental reason behind those behaviors. The character's thoughts, as presented in the narration, may reveal their internal struggles or goals but do not encapsulate the broader concept of motivation, which encompasses emotions, desires, and external factors driving the character's choices. Thus, identifying motivation is key to grasping the dynamics of the character within the plot.