Final answer:
Identifying character motivations involves analyzing a character's language and actions in the text, examining contrasts created by the author, and using textual evidence to support analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A reader can identify character motivations by analyzing a character’s language and examining the contrasts the author creates. This involves a careful reading of the text to capture the nuances and subtleties of the character’s expressions and interactions. To support an analysis of character motivations, a reader should identify evidence within the text such as dialogues, actions, and reactions, as well as the character’s relationships with others. Analyzing literary elements like images, metaphors, and realistic dialogue can provide insights into a character’s motivations. Moreover, a nuanced understanding of a character often emerges from considering the text holistically, how different elements interplay to reveal deeper aspects of character development and motivation.