What is the term for a character's reason or incentive for their behavior in a story?

The term "motivation" refers to the underlying reasons or incentives that drive a character to act in a certain way within a story. It provides insight into a character's desires, needs, and emotions that influence their decisions and actions. Understanding a character's motivation is essential for analyzing their behavior and development throughout the narrative, as it helps readers grasp the complexities of their personality and the circumstances that shape their choices.

In contrast, characterization deals with the techniques an author uses to create and develop characters, including their traits and qualities. Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot, while an arc describes the transformation or progression of a character throughout the story. These concepts are distinct from motivation, which specifically focuses on the reasons behind a character's actions.