Motivation Hierarchy

Definition

Motivation hierarchy refers to the structured arrangement of a character's desires and needs that drives their actions and decisions throughout a narrative. This concept highlights how a character's motivations are often layered, with basic needs at the foundation and higher-level aspirations building upon them. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for crafting authentic character arcs that resonate with audiences, as it reveals how backstory influences what a character wants at any given moment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation hierarchy can be visualized like a pyramid, with basic physiological needs at the bottom, followed by safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs at the top.
2. A character's motivation hierarchy can evolve over the course of the story as they confront challenges and grow through their experiences.
3. Understanding a character's motivation hierarchy helps writers create more relatable and complex characters, as it provides insight into their choices and behaviors.
4. Motivations at lower levels of the hierarchy often must be satisfied before a character can pursue higher-level aspirations, creating layers of conflict in their journey.
5. Incorporating motivation hierarchy into character development can lead to richer storytelling by allowing audiences to see how characters' pasts shape their present desires.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation hierarchy enhance the development of their arc throughout the narrative?
  • Grasping a character's motivation hierarchy allows writers to craft more nuanced arcs by aligning their desires with their actions. As characters progress through different levels of motivations, such as moving from basic survival needs to higher aspirations like self-actualization, it creates opportunities for conflict and growth. This understanding can lead to compelling transformations that resonate emotionally with audiences.
• Discuss the relationship between motivation hierarchy and conflict within a story, providing examples of how these elements interact.
  • Motivation hierarchy directly influences conflict in a story by pitting characters' layered desires against each other or against external obstacles. For instance, if one character is driven by safety needs while another seeks social acceptance, their goals may clash, creating tension. The struggle between fulfilling immediate needs and pursuing deeper aspirations often results in significant plot developments, showcasing how motivations fuel conflict.
• Evaluate how a character's backstory impacts their motivation hierarchy and overall narrative trajectory.
  • A character's backstory is foundational in shaping their motivation hierarchy, as past experiences inform their current desires and actions. For instance, someone who faced abandonment may prioritize relationships for emotional security before pursuing personal ambitions. By evaluating this connection, writers can construct deeper narratives where characters' motivations evolve logically based on their histories. This insight adds depth to both individual character journeys and the overall storyline.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often influenced by their motivations and experiences.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which often arises from characters' motivations clashing with each other or external obstacles.

Backstory: The history and background information of a character that shapes their motivations, personality, and decisions within the narrative.