Reward

Definition

In storytelling, a reward is the positive outcome or benefit that a character receives after overcoming challenges, completing a quest, or achieving their goals. It serves as both a narrative payoff for the audience and a crucial turning point for the character's development, often reinforcing themes of perseverance, sacrifice, or moral lessons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rewards can take many forms, such as tangible items, emotional fulfillment, or personal growth, and are often linked to the protagonist's journey.
2. A well-timed reward can heighten emotional engagement for the audience, providing satisfaction and closure after intense conflicts.
3. The nature of the reward should reflect the story's themes and character arcs, creating deeper connections between character choices and outcomes.
4. In some stories, rewards may be bittersweet or come with consequences, adding layers of complexity to character motivations and ethical dilemmas.
5. Effective use of rewards can enhance pacing in storytelling by providing moments of relief or celebration that contrast with periods of tension.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of reward enhance character development in a story?
  • The concept of reward enhances character development by providing a tangible goal for characters to strive toward, which motivates their actions and decisions. When characters achieve their rewards after facing obstacles, it signifies growth and transformation, showcasing their journey. This not only deepens audience engagement but also highlights the themes of perseverance and resilience within the narrative.
• Discuss how rewards can be effectively used to create emotional engagement in storytelling.
  • Rewards can be effectively used to create emotional engagement by strategically timing them in relation to conflicts and character arcs. When a character finally receives a long-sought reward after enduring hardship, it resonates deeply with the audience. This moment of triumph serves as a cathartic release, allowing viewers to connect with the character's struggles and celebrate their success, enhancing overall investment in the story.
• Evaluate the role of rewards in shaping the moral implications of a story's narrative.
  • Rewards play a significant role in shaping the moral implications of a story by influencing characters' choices and highlighting consequences. When rewards are earned through ethical means, they reinforce positive moral lessons about hard work and integrity. Conversely, when rewards come at a cost or through unethical actions, they prompt audiences to reflect on moral dilemmas and the complexities of human nature. This duality enriches storytelling by exploring how characters navigate right and wrong in their pursuit of rewards.

Related terms

Motivation: The driving force behind a character's actions, influencing their decisions and the path they take toward achieving their goals.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which creates tension and drives the plot forward, ultimately leading to the quest for rewards.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the narrative, often influenced by their pursuit of rewards and the challenges they face.