A good character must have a compelling motive.

One of the most important questions a writer can ask is: “Why?” 

That question should ring in your ear every time you write about your character. All stories have at least one Main Character (MC) who strives to achieve the story goal. Whether their goal is to defeat the dragon, get the girl, or maintain peace, your MC wants something.

But why do they want it? 

What motivates your character to achieve the story goal?

While figuring this out may seem unimportant, it’s actually a very crucial part of making your character believable. Everyone in the real world acts on a motive, no matter how small that motive may be. 

You bought food–why?–because you were hungry. 

You applied for a job–why?–because you needed money.

There are even extreme cases of motive displayed in news headlines. 

The man committed a murder–why?–because…

I think you get the picture. The idea that all actions are based on a motive is what I call: The Principle of Causation. Your character needs to have a cause (aka motive) for what they do. 

No motive = a weak, 2D character.

Often, your character’s motive can be derived from their backstory (to find out more about backstory, check out this post here). A motive can come from a monumental/traumatic experience or be as simple as the desire to make a parent proud. 

Regardless of genre, one thing remains true–your character needs a motive to achieve the story goal. Not only are characters who lack it, boring, but they’re also unsympathetic and rarely likable. Your readers don’t want to read about someone who’s doing something just because they can do it.

Ask yourself this:

 What would happen if my MC didn’t achieve the story goal? How would it impact them physically or emotionally?

 If the answer to these questions is that nothing would be different–or–your character is living a happy and fulfilling life before your strory goal is achieved, it’s likely your character lacks a good motive. 

 Your character needs to have a good reason to pursue the story goal you’ve put in place. 

The motive of your character and the story goal go hand in hand. 

Your character needs a good motive to pursue the story goal in a way that  is not easy, but instead believable and engaging. What’s at stake if your character doesn’t succeed?

Motive (or the Law of Causation), tends to commonly be overlooked–especially by new novelists. However, it’s a crucial part of a good story and a good character.

A character who has no reason for what they’re doing devalues the story goal and lessens the stakes.