Desire

Definition

Desire refers to a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, often driving characters’ actions and decisions within a narrative. It acts as a fundamental motivator that propels the protagonist’s journey and creates tension in interpersonal relationships, highlighting the conflicts that arise from differing needs and ambitions. This longing can lead to both personal growth and conflict, shaping the overall arc of the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desire can be both conscious and unconscious, influencing how characters behave even if they are not fully aware of it.
2. The intensity of a character's desire can dictate the stakes of the narrative, making their journey more engaging for the audience.
3. Conflicting desires between characters can create rich interpersonal conflict, driving the plot forward.
4. Desire is often tied to themes of identity and self-discovery, with characters learning more about themselves through their wants.
5. In many stories, unfulfilled desires lead to character development, showcasing how they adapt or change based on what they yearn for.

Review Questions

• How does desire influence the development of a protagonist throughout a story?
  • Desire is crucial for a protagonist's development as it establishes their goals and motivations. The journey toward fulfilling these desires often presents obstacles and challenges that force the protagonist to grow. As they navigate their wants, they may undergo significant changes in perspective, values, or self-awareness, making their evolution compelling and relatable.
• In what ways can conflicting desires between characters create interpersonal conflict?
  • Conflicting desires among characters can lead to heightened tension and drama as each character pursues their own goals, often at odds with others. These clashes can manifest in arguments, competition, or even betrayal, which not only drives the plot but also deepens relationships between characters. Such conflicts reveal the complexity of human relationships and emphasize the impact of individual desires on group dynamics.
• Evaluate how unfulfilled desire shapes character arcs and themes within a narrative.
  • Unfulfilled desire is a powerful element that can significantly shape character arcs and thematic depth. When characters face obstacles in achieving their desires, it leads to frustration, introspection, or transformation. This struggle can highlight universal themes such as ambition, loss, or redemption. By portraying how unfulfilled desire affects characters' lives, narratives can engage audiences emotionally while prompting reflection on their own desires and aspirations.

Related terms

Motivation: The reasons or driving forces behind a character's actions and decisions, often closely linked to their desires.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, which can stem from differing desires among characters, leading to tension and drama in the narrative.

Goal: A specific aim or target that a character desires to achieve, often serving as the focal point of their journey.