Final answer:
The protagonist, Waverly Place Jong, in 'Rules of the Game' by Amy Tan, is motivated by a desire for self-empowerment and autonomy, which she pursues through mastering chess.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protagonist's main motivation in Amy Tan's Rules of the Game is to achieve self-empowerment and independence through the game of chess. Waverly Place Jong, the protagonist, seeks recognition for her intellect and strategic thinking, which she finds through chess. Chess becomes her vehicle for navigating complex social dynamics and asserting her individuality. Two specific details from the text that support this analysis are Waverly's tenacity in mastering chess moves and strategies, and her eventual defiance of her mother's control, symbolizing her pursuit of autonomy.