{"id":2964,"date":"2025-07-25T01:47:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T00:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novlr.org\/?p=2964"},"modified":"2025-10-27T14:29:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T14:29:48","slug":"how-to-create-a-compelling-character-in-minutes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-create-a-compelling-character-in-minutes\/","title":{"rendered":"Goal, Motivation, Conflict: The Secret Formula for Great Characters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019ve got an idea for a story, but are stuck on how to bring your characters to life, then there\u2019s an easy formula to give you a head start. To create a compelling character, you need three simple things: goal, motivation, and conflict. These three things make the basis of any interesting character, and in no time, they\u2019ll be ready for you to bring them to life on the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The formula to create a compelling character<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While every character and plot in the history of literature contains goals, motivations, and conflicts (it\u2019s the backbone of storytelling, after all), it was writer Debra Dixon who first honed in on it. In her book, <em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.debradixon.com\/books\/gmc.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction<\/a>, <\/em>she was the first to put the process into uncomplicated terms and make it accessible to authors who might never have considered its simplicity before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The formula is straightforward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>[Character name] wants [goal] because [motivation]. But [conflict] so [action taken to overcome conflict and achieve goal].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It asks the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What does your character want? (Goal)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Why do they want it? (Motivation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What&#8217;s stopping them from getting it? (Conflict)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can they overcome it?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"character creation - Photo by Marcelo Chagas\" class=\"wp-image-5286 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-marcelo-chagas-1854884.jpg 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/682;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, as an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>[Dorothy] wants [to return home to her aunt and uncle] because [she has been stranded in a faraway land by a tornado]. But [a witch seeks revenge for the death of her sister and the theft of her ruby slippers] so [Dorothy must go on a dangerous journey on the\u00a0yellow brick road\u00a0to ask the Great and Powerful Oz for help].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Applying this same method to the character of the witch, we would have: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>[The Wicked Witch of the West] wants [revenge on Dorothy Gale] because [she accidentally killed her sister and stole her ruby slippers]. But [Dorothy and her friends defend themselves against her attacks] so [the witch must face Dorothy herself or die trying].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s such a simple <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/five-amazing-10-minute-writing-exercises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exercise<\/a> and gives you a <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/a-foolproof-character-cheat-sheet-with-downloadable-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">compelling character<\/a> in a matter of minutes. That\u2019s not to say you won\u2019t have to do more work to give your character a personality and really flesh them out, but it\u2019s the fastest way to set out a framework without wasting hours on the minutiae of appearance and backstories. That can come later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You should use this formula for your characters&#8217; internal (emotional) and external (physical) motivations. And if you\u2019re stuck on a particular scene, you can repeat the exercise on a micro level to see how your characters might behave in their current circumstances. It can even help with a birdseye view of where you might have plot holes or pacing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outline the goals, motivations, and conflicts for each of your characters, no matter how minor. This will allow you not only to create an interesting character, but write scenes full of tension because you\u2019ll know exactly how each character\u2019s goals and motivations might conflict with those of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GMC-worksheet-1.png\" alt=\"goal motivation conflict worksheet\" class=\"wp-image-5285 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GMC-worksheet-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GMC-worksheet-1-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GMC-worksheet-1-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/GMC-worksheet-1-800x600.png 800w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/768;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">External vs. Internal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every character in your novel or story will have both internal and external elements that drive them. Their internal and external drivers will often be at odds with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When defining <em>external<\/em> goals, motivations, and conflicts, you\u2019ll be looking at their physical and visible experiences. This is essentially how the story will play out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, a character\u2019s<em> internal<\/em> goals, motivations, and conflicts are hidden from the outside world. They\u2019re about what your character thinks, feels, and desires. It\u2019s what they want, and what they need to overcome, to be the person they want to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goals: What does your character want?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By being specific about what your character wants, you will have a clear idea of how your story will end. Their external goal is about what they want to accomplish or achieve. An external goal should be clearly defined; something you can tick off as done or not done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your readers reach the last page, they should know whether your character has reached the goal. Think of the Dorothy example from earlier. Her external goal is to get home to Uncle Henry and Aunty Em. By the time we reach the end of the film, it is clear that she has achieved that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, internal goals do not need the same binary state at the end of the novel as a character\u2019s external goals. Because they are emotional, there is more scope for subjective interpretation. In fact, by the end of the story, your character doesn\u2019t need to have achieved their internal goal at all. It might be outside of their control, they might have grown to rethink it, or they may have overcome a personal conflict that makes the goal irrelevant to their future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"fantasy character - Photo by Paz shots for Pexels\" class=\"wp-image-5287 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-paz-shots-3025620.jpg 1279w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Motivation: The \u201cwhy\u201d behind the want<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A character\u2019s external motivation is the \u201cwhy\u201d directly connected to their external goal. It\u2019s the reason they have for moving the plot forward. It\u2019s the one question that is most important to almost every element of plotting. Get this answer right for your character, and the rest will follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With any event in your plot and any character motivation within it, always stop to ask \u201cwhy.\u201d If you can\u2019t immediately answer that question, then you\u2019ve got a plot hole. Knowing motivation means your characters have intention, and you\u2019ll be able to move your story forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast, the internal motivations of your characters are the \u201cwhy\u201d behind their feelings. With an ephemeral and emotional goal, you need to ask why they feel that way. If your character wants to feel like they belong, for instance, their internal motivation will be determined by why that might be. Were they bullied as a child? Did they come from a family of outcasts? Why is fitting in so important to them? The answer to that question will allow you to write a compelling character with real emotional depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-src=\"http:\/\/wp.novlr.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"child on horse - Photo by Gavin Seim for Pexels\" class=\"wp-image-5288 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/pexels-gavin-seim-3259997.jpg 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/682;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conflict: What is getting in the way?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The events, <a href=\"https:\/\/novlr.org\/the-reading-room\/how-to-write-a-truly-memorable-villain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">villains<\/a>, and other tangible forces create the external conflict of your story. An antagonist is often the most obvious source of conflict in any narrative, but the circumstances of your protagonist, or the actions of the characters that surround them can also play a part in creating conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether the external conflict comes from a person, social or environmental factors, or is politically motivated, it will be the central driver of your plot and how your character fits within it. The protagonist and antagonist of your story will likely serve as the arbiters of conflict for each other, creating the dramatic tension and the ultimate climax of your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, internal conflicts can be much harder to define. You\u2019ll need to think about what gets in the way of your character reaching their ideal emotional state. Using the previous example of a character who just wants to belong, that character might be forced into a leadership position that requires them to be an outsider. This could be a conflict that they overcome by accepting their role as someone who simply won\u2019t fit in, or they might give up their special position to seek a life of quiet and reflection within a small community and ultimately attain their emotional goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To add extra tension to your story, you can build your conflict around the opposing goals of two characters. If the goals are at odds, they will share a conflict, giving you a built-in climax for your narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of time and effort goes into crafting a great story, but by sparing a few minutes to bottom out the goals, motivations, and conflicts of your characters before you start delving into them too deeply, you will cut out a lot of the hard work of trying to shoehorn it in later. It\u2019s like placing the corner and edge pieces of a puzzle in advance &#8211; it doesn\u2019t take long, and you can see how the pattern needs to develop, cutting down on a lot of trial and error.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve got an idea for a story, but are stuck on how to bring your characters to life, then there\u2019s an easy formula to give you a head start. To create a compelling character, you need three simple things: goal, motivation, and conflict. These three things make the basis of any interesting character, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":9159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1280","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[67,28],"class_list":["post-2964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-writing-tips","tag-character-development","tag-writing-tips","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Goal, Motivation, Conflict: The Secret Formula for Great Characters | The Novlr Reading Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"By outlining your character&#039;s internal and external goals, motivations, and conflicts are 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