Motivation

Problem: I had made a complete story background and writeup, before I started to write. The characters needed to do certain actions, for certain other actions to take place. But now, as I get to chapter three, I realize that my characters have a life of their own. They think independently and differently than I do. So what I wanted to make them do initially, no longer stands, as they are not motivated by any thought nor does their seem to be any apparent benefit for me to force them to do this. And my story is stuck!

Learning:Motivation is an important part of each character. It is the only thing that keeps the story logical, true and consistent. It is so important that each word said by the character has to have some motivation. Except, of course, if your character is a complete moron, or a management professional. I cannot force the character to act as I want it to act. It has to take its own decisions.

Another example was a recent book I read. The villain, in the initial phase, blurts out all the plan. After that, he becomes silent and sullen and secretive over the whole book. The chapter in which he rants about the entire plot, seems to be out of place. It could have been done in a much more satisfactory fashion, if it were revealed slowly and at the correct time.

Extract: If my character is doing something he or she is not supposed to do, then he better not be doing it!