Character: Emma, a 30-year-old librarian who loves her quiet life.
Goal: To keep her job and maintain her peaceful existence.
Desire: To escape the chaos of the world and find solace in books.
Prompt: Write a scene where Emma receives an unexpected letter informing her that she is the last descendant of a legendary hero. How does this revelation challenge her goal of maintaining a quiet life? What internal conflict does she face between her desire for peace and the responsibility bestowed upon her?
Character: Jake, a 22-year-old aspiring musician.
Goal: To get his music noticed by a famous record label.
Desire: To express himself through music and connect with others.
Prompt: Imagine Jake performing at an open mic night. Write about his mixed feelings as he faces the pressure of wanting to impress the audience and the label scouts in attendance. What personal sacrifices does he make to chase this dream? How do his relationships change as he pursues his goals?
Character: Grace, a 50-year-old retired school teacher who lives alone.
Goal: To find meaningful connections after retirement.
Desire: To feel valued and loved by others.
Prompt: Create a scenario where Grace volunteers at a local community center. How does she navigate the challenges of forming new friendships? Explore her desire for connection versus the fear of rejection. What moment makes her realize that pursuing her goals means stepping out of her comfort zone?
Character: Amir, a 17-year-old high school student who excels in science but is often ignored by his peers.
Goal: To win the state science fair and gain recognition.
Desire: To be appreciated for his intelligence and creativity.
Prompt: Write a scene showing Amir preparing for the science fair. What obstacles does he encounter, both externally (like competition) and internally (like self-doubt)? How does his desire for recognition push him to overcome these challenges? How does this journey change his perspective on himself?
Character: Sarah, a 40-year-old artist who struggles with her past mistakes.
Goal: To create a masterpiece that reflects her true self.
Desire: To find redemption and healing through her art.
Prompt: Envision Sarah working on her latest painting. Describe how her past influences her creative process. What moments of doubt arise, and how does her desire for redemption fuel her determination? What breakthrough does she experience that helps her confront her past?
By exploring and establishing your character’s goals and desires, you not only create depth but also enhance the emotional stakes of your narrative. Use these prompts to dive deeper into your characters’ motivations, and watch how they come alive on the page!