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Characters' internal and external motivations significantly impact the decisions they make in stories. Internal motivations often stem from personal desires, beliefs, values, and emotional states, shaping how a character perceives situations and reacts to them. For example, a character motivated by a strong moral compass may refuse to compromise their principles, even when faced with tempting offers. External motivations, on the other hand, can include societal pressures, relationships, and events occurring in the story's context. These external factors can compel characters to act in ways that might conflict with their internal motivations, creating tension and driving the narrative forward. The interplay between these motivations often leads to character development, as characters navigate challenges and make choices that reveal their complexities.
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One character I enjoy is Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Elizabeth's internal motivations include her desire for personal freedom, independence, and a strong sense of self-worth. She values authenticity and is keen to find true love based on respect and mutual understanding rather than social status. Externally, she faces societal expectations regarding marriage and the pressure to conform to her family's wishes. These motivations drive the plot as Elizabeth navigates her relationship with Mr. Darcy, initially misjudging him based on first impressions and societal prejudices. Her internal and external motivations propel her to challenge her biases, search for truth, and ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of love and partnership, culminating in her decision to accept Darcy's proposal. This journey illustrates how motivations shape her actions and significantly influence the story's outcome.
Answer the following questions based on your own reading experiences: 1. How do you think characters’ internal and external motivations impact the decisions they make in stories? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 2. Think about a character from a book or movie you enjoy. What are their internal and external motivations? How do these motivations drive the plot? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
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