Ficly

Drive Theory

The person driving the car gets to pick the radio station.

Or…

Freud’s theory of human behavior was a “Drive Model” in that he proposed that our behavior is pushed forward by innate drives deep within our psyches. The initial two were libidinal and aggressive drives, or sex and violence. Later he proposed a third drive, called Thanatos, a deep-seated desire to just not exist any more. For him, it boiled down to behavior relating to wanting to procreate, destroy the competition, or roll over and die to get away from all the upheaval and stress associated with the first two.

Just as normal people have a basic psychology at play (whether you buy Freud or don’t), a good character should have a solid and consistent psychological make-up. Nothing kills the authenticity of a story more than a character defying all previous characterization just to do something that moves the plot along. I’m not saying you have to study Freud, Jung, Adler, or even Skinner. Just take that extra moment to think out your characters’ motives, make them believable, and keep them consistent. In the end, it makes for a more believable and palpable story, whatever the genre or however far-fetched your premise.

12 comments Posted 2009-08-31 Author: THX 0477

Comments

  • Stovohobo

    I’m sensing some subtle advertising in here…would psychologists know how to use subliminal messaging to get patients in to their office? Ficly idea, if anyone wants it.

    Good post, anyway.

  • Sam Ervin

    Personally, the radio station in my car is chosen by seniority.

  • BARomero

    The driver’s iPod gets plugged into the AUX jack…

    In all seriousness though, this is why you always see actors (or more specifically, actors portraying actors) asking people, “What’s my motivation here?” Because if they don’t understand why they’re doing what they’re doing, they’ll never get an audience to get it…

  • blusparrow (LoA)

    Something to really think about when I’m writing. Thanks for the tip! =)

  • Marli

    Then there’s the ‘here and now’. Gestalt I believe. If you have an idea run with it…whether its off the planet or not. I hate being predictable whether I am female and have the perogative or not. Though I can see your view point I’d rather just be me.

  • Textual Phoenix

    1) Driver definitely has control. The main reason why my other half had to deal with 80’s anime tunes on the 8 hour drive from Prince George to Abbotsford. And back. evil grin

    2) Yet another awesome piece of advice from you, THX. I try to keep my characters psychologically consistent (unless they’re not supposed to be), but even the most careful of us can slip. :-)

  • Mockingbird

    Ahh..what a great tip! Thanks!! :)

  • Coccinella

    I love reading your writing theory, THX – makes sense, as always!

  • bluefish

    Thanatos probably explains most of the actions of bored teenagers in rural America. Behaviors that usually start with, “Bet you can’t…”

  • .:Band Baby:.

    thanks for the tip. i probably haven’t been doing this… not intentionally, but because it slips my mind =X

  • OrangeOreos (LoA)

    Dude, as a thespian, this is exactly what I try to do on stage. And it’s always good to have a reminder to do it in my writing!

  • Eloquent Mess {(LoA)}

    Personally, the radio station in my car is up to me, unless you’re on a date with me or I decide to be nice.