Character Motivation
Character Motivation is a fundamental concept in screenwriting that explains why characters make the decisions they do in a story. It's like understanding what drives a person to take action - their wants, needs, fears, and desires. Writers use this to create believable characters that audiences can relate to. When looking at resumes, this term shows that a writer understands how to create deep, meaningful characters rather than just surface-level personalities. It's similar to terms like "character development" or "character arc," which all relate to how writers build convincing people in their stories.
Examples in Resumes
Developed Character Motivation worksheets for main characters in a Netflix series pilot
Created compelling Character Motivations for ensemble cast in award-winning indie film
Conducted writer's room workshops focusing on Character Motivation and story development
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle conflicts between multiple characters' motivations in an ensemble piece?
Expected Answer: An experienced writer should explain how they balance different character needs, create meaningful conflicts, and ensure each character's motivation contributes to the overall story while keeping the audience engaged.
Q: How do you revise character motivations when getting network/studio notes?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in adapting character motivations while maintaining story integrity, working with feedback, and balancing creative vision with commercial needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure character motivations remain consistent throughout a series?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for tracking character decisions, maintaining character bibles, and ensuring actions align with established motivations across multiple episodes.
Q: How do you connect character motivation to plot development?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how they use character desires and needs to drive story forward, create conflict, and ensure plot points emerge naturally from character choices.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements of character motivation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the difference between internal and external motivations, character wants versus needs, and how these affect character decisions.
Q: How do you develop a character's backstory to support their motivation?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how past experiences shape character decisions and how to create meaningful background that influences present actions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic character development
- Understanding of wants vs needs
- Creating character backstories
- Writing character descriptions
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character relationships
- Multi-episode character arcs
- Character development in series format
- Revision based on feedback
Senior (5+ years)
- Ensemble cast development
- Long-form character evolution
- Managing multiple character arcs
- Mentoring junior writers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic character development concepts
- Characters make decisions that don't match their established motivations
- Lack of understanding about how motivation drives plot
- No experience with character development across multiple episodes or scenes
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Beyond the Resume: Cultivating a "Hire for Potential" Mindset in Management
Unlocking Internal Talent: Why Internal Mobility Is Your Secret Weapon in Talent Acquisition
