CHARACTER MOTIVATION THESAURUS

TRYING SOMETHING NEW (KIDLIT)



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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:
Trying out for a team sport
Joining a club
Taking up a new activity (robotics, swimming, golf)
Learning something new (a skill, a language, how to dance or skateboard, taking babysitting courses, etc.)
Participating in an event for the first time (a sleepover, a school camping trip, etc.)
Attending church for the first time
Getting involved with a youth program
Entering daycare or after school care
Entering a competition (trying for a part in a school play, entering a baking contest, etc.)
Leaving home for a period if time (a trip to visit relatives, summer camp, go stay with a grandparent for the summer, etc.)

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: If a character is really interested in an activity or idea (caring for animals, science, building computers, being an advocate for the planet, inventing things, etc.) their desire to gain knowledge and skill will force them to try new things even if they may not be initially good at doing them.
Esteem and Recognition: Kids may admire others who are good at certain things and the desire to be admired by others and feel good about their own abilities will push them to try new things and find their skills and passions.
Love and belonging: If a character is wishing to spend time with a loved one, such as a parent who works a lot, trying a new activity or joint interest will be something they will be more open to doing to achieve this need. 
Physiological Needs: If the character is in a situation where their primal needs are triggered (the need food, water, shelter, etc.) they will be willing to try something new if it will satisfy this missing need.

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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