What does "motivation" refer to in character development?

Motivation in character development pertains to the underlying reasons that drive a character's actions and decisions within a narrative. This concept is essential for understanding a character's behavior, as it reveals what influences their choices, whether those be personal desires, fears, needs, or external pressures. When readers grasp a character's motivation, they gain deeper insights into the story's themes and the character's relationships with others.

In contrast, physical appearance primarily concerns how a character looks, which may influence first impressions but does not delve into the motivations behind actions. The ethical implications of a character's actions relate to the morality of what characters choose to do but do not inherently explain why they make those choices. Lastly, how other characters perceive someone can illuminate aspects of that character but does not provide direct insight into their motivations or internal thought processes. Therefore, understanding motivation is crucial for a holistic view of character development and contributes significantly to narrative depth.