Check Your Understanding: Motivation Concepts Check Understanding

10–15 minutes

Understanding Check

Answer the following questions to demonstrate your understanding of motivation, goals, and stakes in character development. These are higher-level thinking questions (DOK 2–3)—they ask you to explain, apply, and analyze, not just recall.

Question 1: Surface Goal vs. Deep Goal

Explain the difference between a "surface goal" and a "deep goal." Use an example from a character you know.

Hint

A surface goal is what the character is obviously pursuing. A deep goal is the hidden emotional need underneath. Think about a character from a book, film, TV show, game, or your own writing. What's the obvious thing they're pursuing? What do they really need?

Question 2: Internal Conflict and Goals

Why is internal conflict (when a character's goals contradict each other) so important for storytelling? What would happen if a character only had one clear, uncomplicated motivation?

Hint

Would a story be interesting if a character wanted something simple with no doubt or conflict? What does internal conflict add to a story? Think about complexity and tension.

Question 3: Stakes and Reader Investment

How do "stakes" make a reader care about a character's goals? Give an example of emotional stakes that don't involve physical danger.

Hint

Think about what happens if the character fails. Why should we care? What could a character lose that has nothing to do with action or survival? (Examples: a relationship, self-respect, identity, hope)

Question 4: Surface and Deep Goals in Your Character

Think about the character you're developing. What is their surface goal? What is their deep goal? How are these connected to the wound and want from their backstory?

Hint

Use the character you've been creating throughout Unit 2. Make the connections explicit—show how their past (wound, want) connects to what they're going to do in your story.

What to Do Next

After you complete this understanding check, you'll move on to Assignment 2.7: Motivation Web, where you'll create a visual diagram of your character's goals and motivations.