Motivation and backstory

English

Definition

A character's motivation is the reason behind their actions, desires, and decisions, while backstory is the history or past experiences that shaped who the character is. Together, they explain why characters behave the way they do and make them feel realistic and complex.

Examples

  • In The Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers because of her love for her sister — her motivation is protection, and her backstory includes growing up as her family's provider
  • Jay Gatsby's obsession with Daisy is motivated by his desire to recapture the past, rooted in his backstory of poverty and reinvention
  • A villain whose backstory includes betrayal may be motivated by revenge

Related Terms

Character analysis Character growth Characterization Character types

Study This Concept

Practice motivation and backstory with free review games in these units:

Creative Writing Unit 2: Character Development