I've been trying to figure out what it is about the stories I didn't like. Bad writing? Boring plot? No and no.
I think I finally figured it out. It's character motivation--or, rather, a lack of it. The latest book I read had an interest plot, wonderful world building and a variety of unique characters, but it fell flat because the heroine didn't desire anything; she was just along for the ride. She had a stubborn personality, did some daring things, and was very likeable, but she didn't want anything. Nobody's that altruistic!
As an example of how to do it right, take Fullmetal Alchemist. Ed and Al are totally driven to get their bodies back. Plenty of other things happen to them, but that is the force behind the story, and you keep watching episode after episode because you want them to succeed too. (And, of course, this is combined with fantastic world building, loveable characters, and fascinating plot.)I also think of the Hunger Games, where Katniss's driving force is her love for her sister and her desire to keep her safe. Or Lord of the Rings, where Frodo must destroy the ring to save the Shire.
This is the kind of motivation that I want my characters to have, and what I've been working on in my WIP; the kind that keeps people reading and that keeps my characters going.
What are your characters motivated by?
This post is part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Check the link for some of the other blogs participating in this event!
I've been feeling a very similar thing about a lot of the books I've read recently - lack of motivation and along with it a lack of agency on the part of the MC. They just seem to be stumbling into situations, only to be propelled along by the secondary characters. I need to find some great books to get me out of this slump!
ReplyDeleteIt's great how the lack of something in other books can motivate us to make our own writing better. You've brought up a great point here. My last novel's MC was motivated by protecting her sister and just trying to graduate from high school so she could go to law school someday. I hope the MC in my next novel has even more to care about.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shell. Another reason to do lots of reading. :) Both the good and the bad can inspire us to make our own writing better.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point. I think my own writing often lacks enough character motivation. I should work on that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCharacter motivation is so important. Sometimes writers get so involved in the story they forget the characters need a reason to be on that journey.
ReplyDeleteI agree. You have to believe in a character for the story to feel real. And after a few bullets or vampires headed your way, you would bug out ... unless you were driven by a primal need not to ... the vampires have your daughter, the gangsters control the neighborhood you're trapped in, or the terrorists have their fingers on the detonator of a nuclear bomb hidden somewhere in the city and will trigger it unless you kill every third person you see (and they have someone watching you!)
ReplyDeleteI am generally not a DNF kind of reader, but lately, I feel the same way as you do. I haven't been grabbed by a character and drawn into their plight in a while. The same rings true for my own characters right now. And I know it's something I MUST work on!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny. I picked up a book yesterday and had the same issue. I kept trying and trying to get into it, but after 40 pages I might just not be able to finish!
ReplyDeleteThat's one of the most important things I have learnt over the past year: characters always need motivation. Otherwise there's really no point to the story.
ReplyDeleteAlso, bonus points for mentioning FMA - it really does have awesome character motivation. Not just Ed and Al, either - you have Roy Mustang and his ambitions, too :)
Well said.
ReplyDeleteI think character motivation is hugely important. Without it, our characters just...well, suck pretty much. They become flat and unbelievable.
Agreed; characters need a lot more than "oh well, this is the way of things, best crack on". Characters should steer plot, not the other way around :)
ReplyDeleteGood point.
ReplyDeleteI'm researching for what to write in my first IWSG post... and feeling a little intimidated. Hey wait, does that count? :)
I had a "SQUEEE-ED-AND-AL!!" fangirl moment in my head when I saw the top of the picture, but anyway, yes. lol Character's need to want something out of it! Which reminds me of Supernatural, which for a moment reminded me of FMA because in the first season Sam and Dean were following these cases from a book their dad had left behind. Dean wanted to find their father, and that basic need drove the season for me.
ReplyDeleteMotivations are something I need to work on for my characters. To me, it's what keeps them from just "going through the motions" or being puppets in the story.
ReplyDeleteBTW I just nominated you for a Liebster: http://www.alioffthemark.com/2013/05/its-spring-cleaning-time-bitches.html
ReplyDeleteIt's basically a chainletter that tells people you think their blog is cool. Do with it what you will. Your blog is cool.
Great post on motivation! I love your examples!
ReplyDeleteI struggled with this with my MC because her motivation kind of changes throughout the trilogy of books I'm working on, and I'm not sure that works. She wants to protect her family and her country, and then well, she wants to understand her destiny and protect her people. And then . . . do you see what I mean? I'm not sure the protection thing is enough in and of itself, especially if someone she protects dies. (sorry that might or might not have been a spoiler)