Character Quote by Nick Petrie
“From a purely craft standpoint, a simple character has a single motivation, while complex characters have two or three or more motivations, at least one of which is in direct conflict with another.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Character Development Guide" by Nick Petrie, 2021
Simple characters have one clear drive; complex characters possess multiple, often conflicting motivations, enriching narrative depth.
In simple terms: Complex characters have several goals that clash.
Key Takeaway
Create layered characters with inner conflict.
Themes
writing
character design
conflict
Mood
creative
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenplay drafting
- role‑playing games
Key Concepts
narrative theory
psychology
storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do conflicting goals shape a character? arc
- When does complexity become excessive?
A Different Perspective
Too many motivations can confuse readers.
