CHARACTER MOTIVATION THESAURUS

PROVIDING FOR ONE'S FAMILY



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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.
NOTES:
The definition of family will depend on the character's viewpoint rather than blood ties. For example, a preacher of a church may see his parishioners as his "family," and a leader may view those she is responsible for as the same: people she mustt protect and safeguard. So don't be afraid to use this entry in the broader definition.

FORMS THIS MIGHT TAKE:
Securing a good job that pays enough to meet family needs
Leading the family to a location of safety where everyone can thrive
Securing much-needed medicine or medical help
Safeguarding a home or property so one's family can live in safety
Gaining skills that will help one better secure basic necessities for loved ones
Traveling to obtain something one's family needs (a resource needed to survive, to get help, to track game, etc.)
Securing food stores to ensure the family has enough to eat over the winter
Safeguarding finances during a recession
Saving for retirement
Saving for a child's future education
Securing the best education for one's child (even if it means home schooling, specialty education, travel, sending a child away, etc.)
Protecting a family business so it can provide for loved ones and be passed on
Fighting to protect the right to practice one's livelihood
Securing shelter when danger is near
Seeing to the proper care of elderly family members
Challenging government agencies and policy to secure care for loved ones (fighting for medical assistance, obtaining special therapy for a child's condition, obtaining support for a mentally ill family member, etc.)
Immigrating to a new country to ensure a better life
Seeking asylum to escape a danger or threat

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.

Esteem and Recognition: A character who seeks the approval of someone may use the provider role to do it, such as the case where they are marrying into a family where in-laws didn't approve of the marriage.
Love and Belonging: The desire to ensure that loved ones have what they need, and are free of distress will push a character to do all they can to provide whatever is needed to loved ones.  
Safety and Security: When danger is present or times are uncertain, the desire to protect one's family will kick into overdrive.
Physiological Needs: If a critical basic need is missing, the character will do everything in their power to secure it for themselves and those in their care.

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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