Intrinsic Motivation

Definition

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, rather than for some external reward or outcome. This type of motivation is fueled by personal interest, enjoyment, or a sense of fulfillment that comes from the activity itself. Understanding intrinsic motivation is crucial for creating believable and relatable characters, as it shapes their desires, goals, and actions in a story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Characters with intrinsic motivation often make choices based on their values or passions rather than external pressures or incentives.
2. Intrinsic motivation can lead to greater character depth and complexity, making them more relatable and engaging to audiences.
3. This type of motivation can also contribute to character conflict, especially when their intrinsic desires clash with societal expectations or external demands.
4. Understanding intrinsic motivation helps writers create authentic character arcs that reflect personal growth and internal struggles.
5. Well-developed intrinsic motivations can enhance a narrative's emotional impact by allowing audiences to connect with characters on a deeper level.

Review Questions

• How does intrinsic motivation influence character development and decision-making in storytelling?
  • Intrinsic motivation plays a significant role in shaping how characters develop and make decisions throughout a story. When characters are driven by internal desires—such as passion for a craft, a commitment to justice, or the pursuit of happiness—they tend to act authentically according to their values. This authenticity often leads to more relatable and dynamic character arcs as they navigate challenges that test their motivations, revealing their true selves in the process.
• Discuss the relationship between intrinsic motivation and character conflict within a narrative.
  • Intrinsic motivation can create compelling character conflicts when a character's internal desires clash with external pressures or expectations. For example, a character motivated by a love for art may struggle against societal norms that prioritize financial success over creative fulfillment. This tension not only drives the plot forward but also deepens the emotional resonance of the story as audiences witness the character grapple with their motivations against opposing forces.
• Evaluate the impact of intrinsic motivation on audience engagement and emotional connection with characters.
  • Intrinsic motivation significantly enhances audience engagement by allowing viewers to connect with characters on a personal level. When characters are driven by authentic passions and desires, their journeys resonate emotionally with audiences who may share similar aspirations or struggles. This emotional connection fosters empathy, making audiences more invested in the characters' outcomes and overall narrative, thereby elevating the storytelling experience.

Related terms

Extrinsic Motivation:

Extrinsic motivation is the drive to perform an activity to earn external rewards or avoid negative outcomes, such as money, praise, or punishment.

Self-Determination Theory: Self-Determination Theory is a psychological framework that emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and the fulfillment of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Character Arc:

A character arc refers to the transformation or development a character undergoes throughout a story, often influenced by their motivations and challenges faced.