Question

How can you infer a characters motivation

Answer 1

Several factors go into determining what motivates a character. Sometimes you will be given pieces of a character's backstory. A character motive is what the character wants in a story. It is like their goal, or something they hope to achieve. Characters reveal their motives through their thoughts, words, actions, and traits.

Answer 2

By their actions, thoughts, etc. It depends entirely on the exposition and what point of view the author provides a reader. It’s much easier when it’s a first person point of view because you’re able to directly read a character’s thought process. A character’s motivation can be family, money, romantic love, safety, just whatever drives them to continue on. I hope this helps, if you have more questions or need a more direct answer then just reply or message!