The Compass of Character: Creating Complex Motivation for Compelling Characters in Fiction, Film, and TV

Motivating characters in fiction works similarly to a compass providing direction for explorers. In terms of character motivation, there are four factors to consider: Lack, Yearning, Resistance, and Desire. Using The Compass of Character, you'll be taught how to deeply consider the key question of "What does my character want?" and how to answer that question by creating realistic, empathetic characters without falling into formulaic, unsatisfying results that only diminish the character. With David Corbett's guidance, writers can build characters with motivations that range from clear to complex.

   • human yearning
   • pathological maneuvers
   • the pain of life vs. the promise of life
   • backstory and behavior
   • mechanics of growth and transformation
   • dramatizing mistaken desire and misbegotten yearnings
   • moral arguments

In order to make fascinating characters, it is necessary to show subtle inner states within straightforward external circumstances, which requires a fundamental understanding of how complex motivation manifests itself in behavior, where complex motives collide with messy, indifferent surroundings. Compass of Character offers both instruction and inspiration to help writers reach that goal.