CHARACTER MOTIVATION THESAURUS

ESCAPING DANGER (KIDLIT)



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HELPFUL TIP:

To understand why your character is driven toward a certain goal, get to know their positive and negative traits, as well as any significant emotional wounds that might be motivating them. Then you can explore the various kinds of conflict that could block them as they move toward their goal.
FORMS THIS MIGHT TAKE:
Escaping a kidnapping or other abusive situation
Evading an attacker (or attackers)
Getting away from a predator (human, animal, monster, etc.)
Avoiding harm in the aftermath of a disaster, such as a plane crash, avalanche, or bombing
Finding shelter to survive the elements

HUMAN NEED DRIVING THE GOAL (INNER MOTIVATION):
There are five basic human needs that, when missing from a character's life, could motivate them to pursue this goal. The following needs are all possibilities, but only one of them should be the primary driver for any given character. For more information on the relationship between human needs and outer motivations, please see this Character Motivation tutorial.

Safety and Security: When a dangerous situation presents itself and a child's safety is threatened, they will take steps to avoid it. But some dangers appear gradually, and the child doesn't realize their danger until they're full immersed in the situation (as in the case of an abusive relationship). They may then stay in that dangerous situation out of fear of rejection and what others think or due to self-doubt. Only when the situation escalates will they often be motivated to act.
Physiological Needs: This motivation is inherently tied to the character's physiological needs. When they feel that their very life is being threatened, they'll spring into action.

HOW THE CHARACTER MAY PREPARE FOR THIS GOAL:
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POSSIBLE SACRIFICES OR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS GOAL:
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ROADBLOCKS WHICH COULD PREVENT THIS GOAL FROM BEING ACHIEVED:
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TALENTS & SKILLS THAT WILL HELP THE CHARACTER ACHIEVE THIS GOAL:
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WHAT'S AT STAKE IF THIS GOAL ISN'T MET?
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CLICHÉS TO AVOID:
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