Desire

Definition

Desire refers to a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, which drives characters to pursue goals and motivations throughout a narrative. In storytelling, understanding a character's desire is crucial, as it shapes their actions, decisions, and conflicts. It helps create tension and stakes in the story, especially when desires clash between protagonists and antagonists or when supporting characters have their own distinct desires that influence the main storyline.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A character's desire can be explicit or implicit; explicit desires are clearly stated, while implicit desires are more subtle and revealed through actions and choices.
2. Desire often creates dramatic tension when different characters have opposing goals that lead to conflict, making it essential for crafting memorable antagonists.
3. Supporting characters can enrich the narrative by having their own desires that intersect with or oppose the protagonist's goals, adding complexity to relationships.
4. Understanding a character's desire helps to create a more relatable and dynamic personality, allowing audiences to empathize with their struggles and motivations.
5. Desire can evolve throughout a story, leading to character development as they confront obstacles and adapt their goals based on experiences and realizations.

Review Questions

• How does a character's desire shape their motivations and actions within a narrative?
  • A character's desire serves as the driving force behind their motivations and actions, influencing how they navigate challenges and interact with others. For example, if a protagonist desires to save their loved one, this will dictate their choices and the risks they are willing to take. Understanding this desire allows writers to create compelling arcs that resonate with audiences by showcasing personal stakes and emotional depth.
• Analyze how conflicting desires between protagonists and antagonists can enhance the overall tension in a story.
  • Conflicting desires between protagonists and antagonists create a dynamic where opposing goals lead to escalating confrontations. This tension keeps audiences engaged as they invest in the outcomes of these conflicts. For instance, if the protagonist desires peace while the antagonist seeks power through chaos, this clash propels the narrative forward and heightens emotional stakes for both characters.
• Evaluate the importance of desire in developing memorable supporting characters that contribute to the main plot.
  • Desire plays a crucial role in shaping memorable supporting characters by providing them with distinct motivations that enhance the main plot. When supporting characters have their own desires that align with or oppose the protagonist’s goals, they contribute layers to the narrative. For instance, a mentor may desire to protect the protagonist while struggling with their own past failures, creating complexity that enriches both their arc and the overall story. This interplay not only deepens relationships but also emphasizes themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and personal growth.

Related terms

Motivation:

Motivation is the reason behind a character's actions and desires, often stemming from personal needs, ambitions, or experiences that propel them toward their goals.

Conflict:

Conflict is the struggle between opposing forces in a story, often arising from conflicting desires among characters, which drives the plot forward.

Character Arc:

A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, heavily influenced by their desires and how they evolve in pursuit of their goals.