CHARACTER MOTIVATION THESAURUS

COPING WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY OR ILLNESS (KIDLIT)



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CHOOSE MY PLAN

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:
A learning disability (dyslexia, dysgraphia, processing disorders, etc.)
A behavioral or mental disorder (ADHD, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, bipolar, etc.)
A sensory processing disorder that makes school an overwhelming experience
Having a low IQ
Chronic health issues (asthma, diabetes, congenital heart problems, obesity, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, AIDS)

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.

Self-Actualization: Long-term disorders or illnesses can change a person's focus so most of their time and energy is just focused on getting by. This leaves little time for one's passions. If a child's desire to become self-actualized becomes important enough, he or she may choose to come to grips with their problem.
Esteem and Recognition: Most people without a chronic disorder or illness lack true understanding of the ailment or what it means to live with it. This can lead to misunderstandings, prejudice, and fears targeting people suffering in this way. If the sufferer feels a lack of respect from others, they might pursue this goal.
Love and Belonging: A character may choose this goal if they feel a void due to their ailment, such as not being able to make friends or feeling unloved by family members.

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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