I got to thinking about this the other night. In a novel, main characters should have some desire that drives them through the story, changing them as they go so that when they reach the end they are slightly different people than they were at the beginning.
I have a series with two MCs, each with different motivations, and these change with each story. Except that in the third book I'm struggling with one of the characters, who's rather vague motivation is simply to do his duty (it's military fiction).
Anyone else had this problem? How did you get over it?
This place could do with an edit option.
You say vague motivation-that sounds more like losing the connection with one character(MC2) or not seeing his/her story very clearly any more. Questions to ask yourself
1: what is the motivation of MC1 in this series? Does MC2 have different motivation?
2: how do you want this book to end? How important is MC2 transformation/journey to the overall story?
3: can you finish writing story from MC1 viewpoint, analyse good places to introduce conflict and then try and adjust MC2 motivation to encompass this conflict?
4: Take time off ; ) I know, but feeling MC2 motivation sometimes needs to come naturally. I am writing a two person novel now, and thought my MC2 was very strong. However, when I sit to write, all that comes is MC1 story. MC2 hasn't even stirred into life yet, though she is central to the story.
I hope there is at least a little bit that is useful to you above.
Well my character's motivation is from the fact that, his world(includes aspects of his daily life, people he cares about etc) could be destroyed, and a little tinge of responsibility is added in to the as well to make powerful motivators.
The best motivators are, in opinion-
-The result of your actions helps achieve your goals/aims.
-The result of you not taking any actions results in a loss to you somehow. (mostly personal)
Well Good Luck with your Predicament. :)