#charactergoals

[brittanyearnestauthor]

How to Write Character Goals More Effectively

As writers, creating character goals can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when we're on the spot trying to decide what drives them. To help, I’ve compiled a list of goals to inspire your character-building process and add depth to your story.

Personal Goals

Personal goals contribute to character growth and make them complex and relatable. They also bring your story to life:

- Learn a new language

- Practice mindfulness and meditation

- Develop a growth mindset

- Enhance time management skills

- Become proactive

- Master new technology or software

- Start a new craft or hobby

- Improve public speaking skills

- Build self-confidence

- Refine writing skills

- Practice communication skills

- Acquire a new skill

- Become more organized

- Accept limitations

- Hone decision-making abilities

- Cultivate gratitude

- Stay open to new opportunities

- Improve financial literacy

- Diversify cooking knowledge

- Learn to play an instrument

- Solve problems creatively

- Pick up a new sport

- Start a blog or online journal

- Learn to code or build websites

- Become a mentor

- Practice active listening

- Be more empathetic

- Forgive oneself

- Learn to say no

- Manage stress effectively

- Gain emotional control

- Develop patience

- Strengthen resilience

- Foster optimism

- Embrace change

- Live in the moment

- Enjoy simple pleasures

- Appreciate small things

- Explore creativity

Family and Friends

Improving relationships and family dynamics can add rich layers of character development and bonding moments:

- Plan a family vacation

- Spend quality time with loved ones

- Strengthen relationships

- Organize a family reunion

- Host weekly game nights

- Volunteer together

- Enhance communication skills

- Enjoy outdoor activities together

- Practice patience with others

- Expand the family

Finance

Financial goals can introduce real-world challenges that make your characters more relatable:

- Pay off debt

- Create and stick to a budget

- Invest wisely

- Save money consistently

- Consult a financial advisor

- Achieve financial freedom

- Start a side hustle or part-time job

- Negotiate better deals

- Build financial literacy

Career

Professional aspirations are key to relatable character arcs:

- Earn a promotion or raise

- Change careers

- Become their own boss

- Start a business

- Learn new career-related skills

- Network with peers in their field

- Attend career development seminars

- Volunteer professional skills

- Mentor others

- Improve their resume

Travel

Travel goals add excitement, exploration, and opportunities for plot-building:

- Visit a new country

- Explore their local area

- Embark on a road trip

- Experience a cruise

Conclusion

This list provides a starting point for creating meaningful character goals that enhance their journeys and make your story stand out. Whether you use these ideas or create your own, the key is to craft goals that resonate with your characters' personalities and ambitions.

Happy writing!

[ellowynthenotking]

Get To Know Your Character

If your character had a unique fragrance that represented them, what would it smell like?

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

Writing: Relationships

I hate it when characters say they will “give the relationship a go”. No pressure, they say. 

No, sorry: there is pressure. How can there be any romantic tension if both characters are half-in, half-out? I understand that characters may have some baggage from a previous relationship, or even have suffered a bereavement. But sooner or later, they will have to contend with their future and either commit or not. It is fine to be hesitant and unsure, but there must be a goal to this, and the characters can’t keep pulling faces ad infinitum. I hate anything which induces inertia and allows the characters to get stuck in a “que sera, que sera”, prison. ACT NOW. 

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Writing Character Goals More Effectively

Creating compelling character goals can be a challenge, especially when trying to make a story engaging and realistic. A well-developed goal can drive a character’s actions, shape their growth, and keep your plot moving forward. In this post, I’ll share a variety of goals your characters can have to help them stand out and enhance your storytelling.

Character Goals

Health Goals

Your characters may strive to improve their physical or mental well-being, such as:

- Eating healthier

- Losing weight or getting in shape

- Overcoming an illness or injury

- Building a sustainable self-care routine

Financial Stability

A character working toward financial security adds realism and depth to your story:

- Paying off debt

- Creating a sustainable budget

- Saving money for emergencies or future plans

- Achieving financial independence

Relationship Goals

Developing stronger relationships can be a key motivator for a character’s arc:

- Strengthening friendships or family bonds

- Improving communication in relationships

- Overcoming conflicts with loved ones

- Finding a romantic partner

Career Goals

Career-driven characters often bring ambition and struggle into a story:

- Earning a promotion or raise

- Changing careers for personal fulfillment

- Starting a business

- Expanding professional skills

- Reigniting passion for their current job

- Networking with industry leaders

Personal Fulfillment

These goals focus on self-discovery and inner satisfaction:

- Finding personal happiness outside of work

- Exploring creative outlets or hobbies

- Learning a new skill or trade

- Becoming more confident in themselves

- Practicing mindfulness and meditation

- Becoming a mentor and guiding others

Home and Family Goals

Creating a home or growing a family can add emotional depth to your character’s journey:

- Buying a house or relocating

- Starting a family or having children

- Designing and building their dream home

- Improving family dynamics and traditions

Travel and Exploration

Characters eager to experience the world might have goals such as:

- Visiting a new country

- Exploring local hidden gems

- Embarking on a road trip

- Taking a cruise for adventure or relaxation

Helping Others

Characters focused on making a difference in the world can have motivations such as:

- Volunteering for charitable causes

- Supporting underprivileged communities

- Mentoring younger individuals or newcomers in their field

- Advocating for social or environmental change

Ambition and Leadership

Some characters may strive to leave a lasting impact through leadership and influence:

- Becoming a respected leader in their industry or community

- Developing negotiation and leadership skills

- Fighting for a cause they truly believe in

- Building a legacy through their actions

Lifestyle and Personal Development

Characters driven by self-improvement may aim for goals such as:

- Learning a new language to connect with diverse cultures

- Writing a book to share their story or expertise

- Developing a personal philosophy or worldview

- Practicing problem-solving and adaptability skills

Material and Status-Based Goals

While not all goals are purely emotional, some characters may have aspirations that reflect their ambitions in life:

- Driving their dream car

- Gaining social recognition or fame

- Living in luxury or achieving financial success

- Owning valuable assets

Conclusion

By incorporating strong, realistic goals into your character development, you’ll craft characters that feel well-rounded and engaging. This list offers a starting point, but you should personalize your characters’ aspirations based on your story’s themes and direction. Keep experimenting, and let your characters’ desires shape their journey in unique and meaningful ways.

Happy writing!

[ellowynthenotking]

Get To Know Your Character

Did your character face any traumatic experiences that still affect them?

[ellowynthenotking]

Get To Know Your Character

What's the strangest food combination your character craves when they're feeling peckish?

[ellowynthenotking]

Get To Know Your Character

What's the weirdest thing your character craves for a midnight snack?

[mythsandpolitics]

Druids can be fun

So I'm reading this book where the druid winds up going to jail and is using animals to send messages to her party members in the city. The first one is a raven that pooped on the guy's head (on purpose), second was a mouse that climbed into bed with the guy and pulled his leg hairs to wake him up and then there was a chipmunk who emptied everything it was carrying in its mouth onto the guy's lap. I'm dying with laughter and this is legit #charactergoals for me if I ever get to roleplay again.