CHARACTER MOTIVATION THESAURUS

FINDING SOMETHING LOST



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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:
Finding a lost item of great importance, such as one's wedding ring or a child's safety blanket
Finding a historical or mythological artifact (the Holy Grail, Excalibur, the fountain of youth, etc.)
Tracking down an abducted loved one
Finding the child one gave up for adoption
Finding the family one was separated from as a child (because of civil unrest, a natural disaster, being kidnapped, etc.)
Locating a lost civilization
Reviving an old truth that has been forgotten or rewritten
Reconnecting with one's roots that have been forgotten, abandoned, or one never knew about

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: When finding the lost thing is a matter of justice or "rightness" for the character (such as a search for truth or vindication), their need to be fully actualized may drive them to pursue this goal.
Esteem and Recognition: A character can be driven to find something lost if doing so will bring them great esteem in the eyes of others.
Love and Belonging: This need could drive a character to find the people, cultures, or traditions they've lost.

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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