Show character motivations through actions from "summary" of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Second Edition by Renni Browne,Dave King
One effective way to reveal your characters' motivations is to show them through their actions. Rather than simply telling readers what a character wants or why they are behaving in a certain way, demonstrate these motivations through the things they do. For example, if a character is desperate to win a competition, you can show this by depicting them practicing late into the night, studying their opponents, and making sacrifices in other areas of their life to focus on their goal. These actions provide concrete evidence of the character's motivation, allowing readers to infer their desires and drives without having them spelled out explicitly. By showing motivations through actions, you can create a deeper connection between your characters and your readers. Actions are tangible and observable, making them more engaging and convincing than abstract explanations or internal monologues. Readers can see for themselves what is driving a character, making the story more immersive and compelling. Furthermore, showing motivations through actions can help you avoid the pitfall of telling rather than showing. Instead of resorting to exposition or dialogue to explain why a character is doing something, you can let their actions speak for themselves. This can make your writing more dynamic and vivid, drawing readers into the story and allowing them to draw their own conclusions about the characters. Incorporating actions that reflect your characters' motivations can also add depth and complexity to your story. By showing characters grappling with conflicting desires or making difficult choices, you can create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of human nature. Actions that reveal motivations can help readers understand the characters' inner struggles and dilemmas, making them more relatable and multidimensional.- Showing character motivations through actions is a powerful technique for bringing your characters to life and engaging your readers. By demonstrating what drives your characters through the things they do, you can create a vivid and compelling portrait of their desires, fears, and ambitions, enriching your story and drawing readers into the world you have created.
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