By making inferences based on analysis of a character, the reader is able to determine a character’s:

By making inferences based on analysis of a character, the reader is able to determine a character’s:

a. actions.

b. development.

c. theme.

d. motivation.

Answer: d. motivation.

A reader is most likely to decipher a character’s motives as long as they infer based on characterization. Motivation, in the context of the plot, can be defined as the character’s purpose or because that initiates his actions throughout a story. When approaching the characterization, the reader deals with different elements having to do with the character in question, aspects of which include the character’s ideas, behaviour, speech, and relations with other characters. Such aspects give hints to fill the readers’ comprehension concerning the inner intentions of any character, in case they are unspoken.

For instance, readers can deduce the reason why Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” had to be involved in the undertaking through his conduct. His opulent parties, his house which is situated on the opposite side of the bay from Daisy’s, and the air of parsimonious aristocracy that he deliberately maintains all bear testimony to the hope which is within him: the chance of getting Daisy back. Even though Gatsby is not eager to explain his intentions and feelings to Daisy, it is possible to assume his goal from these hints. Likewise, selflessness is depicted in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” through Atticus Finch who defends Tom Robinson though he will be criticized by society’s purpose to defend the innocent and defeat prejudice. Hence, readers can deduce that Atticus is a nobleman whose aim is to give his children a good example in their dealings with other people.’ In this way, readers come to the conclusions that give them insights into the character’s specific mental worlds, which in turn expand readers’ outlooks on the developing plot and underlying motifs.