The Write It Scared Podcast
A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel.
The Write It Scared Podcast
How to Figure Out What the Hell Your Character Wants
“What does my character want?” Sounds like a simple question—until it isn’t.
If you’ve ever struggled to figure out the difference between your character's wants and needs, been confused by the language of conscious goals and unconscious goals or desires, this episode is for you!
Today, we simplify things so you never get confused again!
We look at how goals create momentum on the page to inform the plot, while desires drive the character's internal change.
You’ll also get practical ways to diagnose what’s missing when a character feels stuck—and how to fix it.
Timestamps:
01:32 Why “what does my character want?” is a loaded question
03:14 Goals vs. desires: what’s the difference?
04:53 Examples of clear external goals
06:11 The messier truth of character desire
11:08 Using goals and desires to drive transformation
13:37 Practical tools for revision
15:29 Closing thoughts + book coaching note
16:37 Wrap-up
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