Internal:
* Psychological: A character might act out of fear, anger, love, jealousy, ambition, revenge, or a need for belonging.
* Moral: A character might be motivated by a sense of duty, justice, or a desire to right a wrong.
* Philosophical: A character might be driven by a specific belief system, a quest for knowledge, or a desire for spiritual enlightenment.
External:
* Social: A character might be driven by societal pressures, economic hardship, or political turmoil.
* Physical: A character might be motivated by survival instincts, hunger, thirst, or the need for shelter.
* Circumstantial: A character might be influenced by specific events or situations, leading to a change in their behavior.
Examples:
* Hamlet's motive for feigning madness is to uncover the truth behind his father's death and bring his uncle to justice.
* Macbeth's motive for murdering King Duncan is his ambition for power and the witches' prophecy.
* Jane Eyre's motive for leaving Mr. Rochester is her desire for independence and respect.
Why are motives important?
* Character development: Motives make characters relatable and complex. Understanding their reasons helps readers sympathize with them, even if their actions are morally ambiguous.
* Plot advancement: Motives drive the conflict and propel the story forward. The consequences of a character's actions are directly related to their motivations.
* Themes: Motives can explore larger themes and ideas within a story, such as the nature of good and evil, the pursuit of happiness, or the struggle for power.
By understanding the motives behind characters' actions, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of the story's meaning and significance.