Unlocking the Heart of Your Character- Discovering What They Truly Desire

How to Figure Out What Your Character Wants

Creating a compelling character is a crucial aspect of storytelling. A character that lacks a clear desire or goal can leave readers feeling disconnected and unengaged. So, how do you figure out what your character wants? Understanding your character’s desires is the key to crafting a story that resonates with readers. Here are some tips to help you delve into the depths of your character’s mind and discover their deepest desires.

1. Conduct Character Interviews

Think of your characters as real people with complex emotions and motivations. To understand what they want, you can conduct character interviews. Ask them questions like, “What is your greatest fear?” or “What are your dreams and aspirations?” These questions can help you uncover their inner desires and conflicts.

2. Analyze Your Character’s Past

Your character’s past experiences play a significant role in shaping their desires. Examine their childhood, relationships, and key events that have influenced their development. Understanding their past can help you identify what they want in their present life and what they are striving to achieve.

3. Consider Your Character’s Relationships

Humans are social beings, and our relationships with others often define our desires. Look at your character’s relationships with family, friends, and romantic interests. How do these relationships impact their desires? Are they seeking acceptance, love, or independence?

4. Examine Your Character’s Flaws and Strengths

Every character has flaws and strengths. Understanding these traits can help you determine what they want. For example, a character who is overly cautious may desire a sense of security, while a character who is impulsive may be driven by a desire for freedom.

5. Create a Character Outline

A character outline can serve as a roadmap for your character’s journey. Include details about their background, personality, and desires. This outline will help you stay focused on your character’s goals and ensure that their actions and decisions align with their motivations.

6. Use the Hero’s Journey

The Hero’s Journey, a classic storytelling structure, can help you understand what your character wants. In this structure, the hero embarks on a quest to achieve a specific goal. Analyze your character’s journey to identify their desire and the challenges they face in pursuit of it.

7. Keep an Open Mind

As you delve into your character’s desires, be open to discovering new motivations and goals. Sometimes, the most compelling stories arise from unexpected twists and turns. Allow your character to evolve and grow as the story progresses.

In conclusion, understanding what your character wants is essential for crafting a compelling story. By conducting character interviews, analyzing their past, examining their relationships, and considering their flaws and strengths, you can uncover their deepest desires. Remember to stay open-minded and allow your character to evolve as the story unfolds. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a character that readers will love and remember.