Writing memorable characters
If you want to know who your character is, then ask this simple question: What do they want?
What does your character want?
Well-written characters often have clearly stated wants and needs. These can be internal drivers or they can be caused by the circumstances around the character. Once you understand what those wants and needs are, you can use that information to guide your character's motivation throughout the story.
Wants: Your character's wants are those things that they desire
Needs: Your character's needs are those things that would be beneficial — even necessary — for the character, whether they actually want them or not. I think of this as "what the universe wants for your character."
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