Your story is always stronger when your character wants something. This is what propels them to make the decisions they make. If you're struggling to find a good motivation for your character, I've compiled 50 ideas you can use...
If you want to learn how to use the character's backstory to formulate a motivation, we cover all that and more in the 100 page Character Workbook.
Beat personal weakness
Escape cult
Repay life debt
Avenge mentor's death
Rescue from captivity
Prevent catastrophe
Expose an affair
Academic validation
Escape prophecy
Beat addiction
Gain redemption
Reunite with lost love
Prove innocence
Expose corruption
Recover stolen identity
Get rich
Get back home
Outsmart AI
Be loved by the public
Care for child
Resurrect famous king
Decode secret
Expose their tormentor
Gain equality
Get revenge on ex
Find lost parent
Avenge betrayal
Uncover family secret
Escape imprisonment
Escape mundane life
Protect loved ones
Seek redemption
Find hidden treasure
Prove doubters wrong
Overcome personal fear
Fulfil dying wish
Establish a legacy
Gain control/power
Family’s approval
Get over ex-lover
Cure terminal illness
Seek justice for friend
Escape relationship
Leave small town
Redeem their family
Solve mystery
Reunite with family
Revolution
Experience true love
Win the war
