When contrasting plot-driven and character-driven stories, I talk a lot about characters’ goals and motivations, and for good reason.
Goals are the focus of a plot-driven story. The reader wants to know how the characters get from point A to their ultimate goal, point Z. While the plot may wind through some twists and turns, the characters’ motivations tend to stay constant throughout.
Character-driven stories place a much greater emphasis on motivations. The what of a character’s actions is less important than the why, because in this kind of story plans often change as new information is revealed. As characters grow as individuals and adapt, their motivations often change as well.
There is a common misconception that goals and motivations are one and the same. After all, in daily life, we tend to use these words interchangeably.
They are not interchangeable in fiction writing.
As you plot your next work, it is important to know your characters’ motivations, goals, and the difference between them. That’s what will bring your characters, and ultimately your story, to life.
