What does motivation explain in a character's behavior?

Motivation plays a crucial role in understanding a character's behavior as it encompasses the underlying reasons and drives that influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors. It provides insight into what propels a character to act in a certain way, revealing their desires, goals, and emotional responses. By examining motivation, one can better comprehend the complexities behind a character's decisions and interactions, illustrating how internal and external factors shape their behavior.

While aspects like physical appearance, social interactions, and educational achievements may be influenced by motivation, they do not provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the full spectrum of a character's behavior. Motivation serves as the foundation from which various behaviors manifest, making it an essential element in character analysis.