9. Motivation and Plot

Part V of the book examines two crucial narrative contexts of characters: the plot (Chapter 9) and the character constellation (Chapter 10). Chapter 9 explores the relationship between character, motivation, and action/plot. Based on a range of theories of motivation, it outlines alternative (e.g. mental and textual, external and internal) explanations for the behaviour of characters and distinguishes between different types of more or less basic, conscious, rational, egoistic, or altruistic motives. It details the conflicting interplay between characters' explicit wants, their deeper, often unconscious needs, and certain key flaws that prevent them from fulfilling their wants or needs. The chapter looks at the structure of external and internal conflicts and considers their narrative utility in driving the plot forward, creating tension and interest, and establishing the themes of a film. The resolution of a character's conflicts is often linked to a thematic message and completes a transformative character arc, which can be negative or positive (reconciling wants and needs, overcoming flaws). The example of Casablanca illustrates how the development of Rick Blaine’s motives, conflicts, and personality conveys thematic meanings.