A great story is driven by characters who want something. Their desires, goals, and motivations dictate the plot, create tension, and guide the reader through the journey. Without strong motivation, characters become passive observers rather than active participants in their own stories.
As we celebrate the fourth day of Black History Month, we can look to real-life historical figures who were defined by their motivations. From Harriet Tubman’s unyielding fight for freedom to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s pursuit of justice, strong motivations are the backbone of both history and storytelling.
Today’s Tony Tips Tuesday is all about understanding character motivation—what they want, why they want it, and how it propels the story forward.
Why Character Motivation Matters
Character motivation isn’t just a detail; it’s the engine that drives your narrative. Here’s why it’s essential:
1. It Creates Conflict and Stakes
A motivated character will face obstacles, and overcoming them makes the story engaging. The higher the stakes, the more invested readers become.
2. It Fuels Character Growth
Great stories feature protagonists who change. Their struggles, failures, and triumphs should all tie back to what they want and how they evolve to get it.
3. It Makes Characters Relatable
Readers connect with characters who have clear, understandable goals. Even if their experiences differ, universal emotions—love, ambition, fear—make them compelling.
4. It Provides Narrative Direction
A story without clear motivation wanders. Motivation helps keep the plot focused and moving forward.
The Two Levels of Character Motivation
Every character has both external and internal motivations. Understanding both can help create well-rounded, realistic characters.
External Motivation (What They Want)
This is the tangible goal your character pursues—something they actively try to achieve.
Examples: Winning a championship, escaping captivity, solving a mystery, finding lost treasure.
Internal Motivation (Why They Want It)
This is the emotional reason behind the goal—the deeper need that drives them.
Examples: Proving their worth, seeking redemption, wanting to protect loved ones, craving recognition.
Example of Both in Action:
Harriet Tubman (Real-life example)
External Goal: Escape slavery and lead others to freedom.
Internal Motivation: A deep belief that all people deserve to be free, fueled by her own trauma and resilience.
T'Challa in Black Panther (Fictional example)
External Goal: Prove himself as the rightful king of Wakanda.
Internal Motivation: Honor his father’s legacy while forging his own path as a leader.
Both of these figures are compelling because they have clear goals rooted in strong motivations.
How to Strengthen Character Motivation
To ensure your characters have a compelling drive, ask these questions:
1. What does my character want more than anything?
This should be specific, measurable, and drive their actions throughout the story.
2. Why do they want it?
Dig deeper. What personal experiences shape this desire?
3. What happens if they fail?
Raising the stakes makes the goal feel urgent and necessary.
4. What obstacles stand in their way?
Every great story features conflict. What forces (internal and external) challenge their journey?
5. How do they grow through this pursuit?
Motivation should not be static. As characters face challenges, their motivations may evolve.
Real-Life Inspirations from Black History
Characters in fiction are often inspired by real-life figures whose motivations changed history. Here are a few Black historical icons whose motivations made them legends:
1. Harriet Tubman – Motivation: Freedom and justice
Her escape from slavery was just the beginning. She risked her life repeatedly to lead others to safety, driven by an unshakable commitment to human rights.
2. Frederick Douglass – Motivation: Education and empowerment
A self-taught man who became one of history’s greatest orators, Douglass fought to prove that knowledge was a powerful tool for liberation.
3. Rosa Parks – Motivation: Equality and dignity
Her refusal to give up her seat wasn’t just about one moment—it was about an entire movement demanding respect and human rights.
4. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Motivation: Justice and unity
His speeches and leadership weren’t just words; they were fueled by a deep vision of racial and social equality.
5. Maya Angelou – Motivation: Storytelling and truth
She turned her pain and triumphs into literature that continues to inspire and uplift.
6. Malcolm X – Motivation: Self-determination and empowerment
His journey from hardship to activism showcases a transformation rooted in a desire for justice and self-reliance.
7. Madam C.J. Walker – Motivation: Economic independence for Black women
As the first female self-made millionaire, she was driven by a desire to create opportunities for others.
These historical figures had clear goals, powerful motivations, and challenges that shaped their journeys, much like the best fictional characters.
Writing Exercise: Strengthening Your Character’s Motivation
Try this quick exercise to refine your character’s motivation:
Identify your main character’s external goal. (What do they want?)
Define their internal motivation. (Why do they want it?)
List three obstacles that stand in their way.
Describe how their motivation changes by the end of the story.
Example:
Character: A young journalist in a dystopian society.
External Goal: Expose government corruption.
Internal Motivation: Prove their late father wasn’t a traitor.
Obstacles: Censorship laws, a rival journalist, personal self-doubt.
Character Growth: Realizes that truth isn’t just about clearing their family’s name—it’s about justice for all.
Final Thoughts
Your story’s momentum comes from motivation. A character who desperately wants something—and is willing to fight for it—keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
As we honor Black History Month, let’s reflect on the motivations that have driven change, both in history and in storytelling. Whether you’re writing heroes, antiheroes, or villains, make their motivations powerful, personal, and impossible to ignore.
Happy writing, and see you next time for another Tony Tips Tuesday!
If you’re looking for an exciting read filled with action, inspiration, and compelling characters, check out my novels in the S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™: The Angelo™ and Angeline™ Chronicles. Autographed copies are available at www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop. Dive into a world where light battles darkness, and heroes are born through courage and faith.
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