Desires

Definition

Desires are the motivations and driving forces that propel characters to take action within a story. They shape the character’s goals, decisions, and ultimately their journey, providing a deeper understanding of their personality and relationships with others. When a character's desires are clearly defined, they enhance the narrative by creating tension and conflict, allowing audiences to engage more fully with the character's struggles and triumphs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Desires can be intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external), influencing how characters react to situations and challenges they encounter.
2. A well-developed desire often leads to conflict, as characters may have to confront obstacles that stand in the way of achieving their goals.
3. Desires can evolve over the course of a story, reflecting the character's growth and changing circumstances, which is crucial for a compelling character arc.
4. Characters can have multiple desires, which may compete with or contradict each other, adding layers of complexity to their motivations.
5. The clarity of a character's desire often determines audience engagement, as viewers become invested in seeing whether the character achieves their goals or not.

Review Questions

• How do desires shape a character’s actions and decisions throughout a narrative?
  • Desires play a crucial role in shaping a character's actions and decisions by providing them with clear motivations. These motivations drive the character to pursue specific goals, leading to choices that advance the plot. When desires are well-defined, they create a relatable context for the audience, making it easier to understand why characters act as they do. This connection enhances emotional engagement and investment in the character's journey.
• In what ways can conflicting desires create tension within a story?
  • Conflicting desires can create significant tension within a story by forcing characters to confront difficult choices and obstacles. When two or more desires clash, it can lead to internal struggles for the character, impacting their relationships with others and increasing dramatic stakes. This tension is essential for maintaining audience interest, as it raises questions about how characters will resolve their conflicts and what sacrifices they may need to make along the way.
• Evaluate how a character’s evolving desires contribute to their character arc and overall story development.
  • A character's evolving desires are integral to their character arc and overall story development. As characters face challenges and experiences throughout the narrative, their desires may change or deepen, reflecting personal growth or shifts in perspective. This evolution often serves as a catalyst for transformation, allowing characters to learn from their experiences and navigate their journeys more effectively. By showcasing these changes, storytellers can craft compelling arcs that resonate with audiences and highlight the themes of growth and self-discovery.

Related terms

Motivation: The internal and external factors that influence a character’s actions and decisions throughout the story.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, often arising from conflicting desires that drive the plot forward.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth a character undergoes in response to their desires and the challenges they face during the story.