You already read people this way. When a friend goes quiet after a message, you work out what they want and what is stopping them. Characters work the same way.
Today you will name what two main characters from your anchor text (the novel or long text your class is reading for this unit) want, why it matters to them, what stands in their way, and one line of evidence for each. That Character Motivation Map goes into your Communication Portfolio.
For any character, ask: what do they want, why does it matter to them, what stands in their way, and which line proves it?
| Term | What it means for you | Real example |
|---|---|---|
| Motivation | Name the drive behind their choices (want plus why), not just what they do | He wants his place back on the team because his family never misses a match |
| Want | Keep it concrete: a job, an apology, a way out | to get back on the team before the county final |
| Obstacle | Look for fear, other people, money, rules, or the character themselves | the coach dropped him for missing training |
| Textual evidence | Quote the line; do not retell the scene | "he was first on the pitch every evening": he is working to win it back |
Worked example (short scene written for this lesson). Leah stood at the counter with the application form folded twice in her pocket. The manager was free. She ordered a tea she did not want and sat back down.
Now try the four questions on Leah.
Use this short scene to get the questions sharp. Read it once, then name Marcus's want and one evidence line. It is practice only: the piece for your Portfolio is the map on the next step.
Now turn the same questions on your anchor text, for two main characters. Today's piece for your Communication Portfolio is a Character Motivation Map.
If you do not have your book today, share a classmate's copy for the lines you need.
1. Type or paste a few lines about each character into the marker below.
2. Mark what each character wants, what stands in their way, and a line that proves it.
3. Open Enter Your Work below and fill in the map for both characters from your marks. One sentence on each line is enough.
4. Copy your map into your portfolio folder as m1_l15_character_motivation_map_<your-initials>.
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