Your main character’s motive is complex, confusing, and sometimes contradictory. Why? Because your character is based on human behavior, and frankly, humans are regularly all of those things. But in middle grade fiction, your reader has to be able to relate to the why of everything your character does. They have to see realistic portrayals in every decision, every act, and every thought of your protagonist. When they can relate and recognize, they will connect.
As writers, we understand that motive is why the main character does what they do. Motive drives each choice they make. It becomes imbued in their subconscious and guides them always. What do they want? What do they really want? What do they really need? Layers of motive influence each choice.
But there is more to humans than just what we think we need. What about those times we act without thinking? What is driving those actions? Sometimes they even completely contradict what we’ve decided to do. Why? Looking at human behavior helps us see that there are many instinctual responses to situations that aren’t necessarily connected to our desires.
Defining the Sides
When I work with authors, we look closely at their protagonists. We dissect motive and analyze what is happening on all levels. As an overarching study, we divide motive into two parts—conscious motive, and instinctual drivers. We track the character’s arc of change to make sure the conscious motive is flowing well. Then we track the instinctual responses to make sure they are consistent through the change.
These two sides of motive are governed by very different character elements. In order for our protagonists to be relatable to readers, we need to address both sides as we craft our stories.
Conscious motive is typically where we focus the most. This side of motive encompasses the desire, what the protagonist thinks they need to solve their problems, and what they really need. These layers of motive are developed by taking into account a myriad of character experiences, understandings, and decisions. This side of motive is the side that drives the plot, and brings about the character’s arc of change. This side of motive is vital to every story.
The second side of motive is sometimes not even considered by writers. The instinctual drivers tend to just happen, so not much attention is given. This side is somewhat in the shadows of conscious motive, but it influences it directly. I also believe that when a character’s instinctual drivers are ‘off’, the character feels ‘off’, and we can’t seem to figure out what is wrong. I call this side of motive Choice Index. When you fix the Choice Index, you fix the character.
I created a video where I talk more about these two sides of motive, and why they are both important to a well-crafted character and story. I also give specific examples from some great middle grade fiction.
Understanding both sides of your character’s motive will make them more relatable to your readers, which keeps them cheering your protagonist on.
Analyzing Your Writing
My goal is to help you recognize the two sides of motive that are driving your main character. Typically, when we think of motive, we think of why our protagonist acts the way they do, and why they make the choices they do. That’s important, but it’s not the whole picture.
The choices made push the character arc of change throughout a story. That arc of change is vital to your readers loving the story. But before they’ll read all the way through to see the whole arc, they have to relate to the protagonist as a human. Especially kids. They have to connect right away to keep reading.
This is where I see the instinctual drivers—the Choice Index—being vital. If your main character is behaving and acting instinctually and consistently as a kid their age would, your reader relates. When they relate, they connect.
I created this worksheet to help you recognize the two sides of motive within your story. Print it out and analyze your manuscript to look for change and growth in the conscious motive, and consistency in the instinctual motive.
PDF Analyzing Two Sides of Motive
You need to look closer at your protagonist’s motive. Every writer does. In middle grade fiction, the main character has to be relatable, connectable, and consistent to keep the book in your reader’s hands. One of the best ways to do that is to craft a well-rounded motive in your character.
Motive isn’t just about the conscious choices they make, but it’s also about how they instinctually respond to situations they are thrust into. Both sides of motive are important to consider as you are writing and revising your story. One side drives the character arc of change, the other side keeps the character consistent and real to the end.
Strengthening your character’s motive will make your story shine.
This makes sense. Thank you for your help.