Character goals are crucial in a novel. They drive the narrative forward. Think of a character whose goal is to find a long - lost treasure. This goal will lead them on adventures, meet different characters, and face various obstacles. It also helps in character development. As the character pursues their goal, they may have to overcome their fears, learn new skills, or change their beliefs. In addition, character goals can engage the reader's emotions. We root for the character to achieve their goal, whether it's something as simple as passing an exam or as grand as saving the world.
One way is to start with the character's backstory. For example, if a character had a difficult childhood, their goal might be to find a sense of security or family. Another method is to consider the character's desires. A character who loves art may have the goal of becoming a famous painter. Also, the plot can influence character goals. In a mystery novel, a character's goal could be to solve the mystery to clear their name or protect someone they love.
Victor Frankenstein's goal was initially to create life through scientific means. He was driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to overcome death. He wanted to be a pioneer in the field of science, but his creation led to chaos and horror.
One common character goal is finding true love. In many romance novels, the characters are on a quest to discover that special person who makes their heart flutter. Another goal could be self - discovery within the context of a relationship. They might start off lost or unsure of themselves, but through the relationship, they figure out who they really are. Also, some characters aim to overcome past traumas related to love, like a bad breakup or family issues that affected their view of relationships.
In Regency romance novels, a common character goal is to find a suitable marriage partner. Social status often plays a big role in this. For example, a young lady might aim to marry into a wealthy and respected family to secure her future. Another goal could be to gain independence within the constraints of the era. Some female characters strive to have a say in family matters or their own personal affairs, like choosing their own friends or hobbies.
Character goals drive the plot forward. For instance, if a character's goal is to win back an ex - lover, they will take actions like sending letters, showing up at places the ex frequents. These actions create events in the story. If a character aims to find true love in a new city, they'll start going to different social events, meet new people, and these encounters form the plot.
Ghost story characters often have motivations like uncovering the truth about their death or protecting someone they cared about in life. Their goals can range from simply being remembered to making sure history doesn't repeat itself.
For Victor Frankenstein, his overarching goal was to push the boundaries of science. He was consumed by the idea of creating life where there was none before. His ambition blinded him to the potential consequences. Once the Creature came to life, his goal shifted to trying to destroy it, as it had brought so much horror into his life and the lives of those around him.
Good writers may have the goal of creating a memorable experience for the readers. They want their novel to stay with the readers long after they've finished reading it. This can be achieved through the use of powerful language, emotional depth, and thought - provoking ideas. They might also aim to make their novel relevant to a wide range of audiences, so that different people can find different aspects of the story to relate to.