Understanding Character Motivation

Understanding Character Motivation

Read the passages and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to why the characters do what they do.

Passage: The Lost Kite

Leo had spent all morning building his new kite. It was bright red with a long, flowing tail. He ran to the park, eager to see it soar. The wind picked it up, and the kite danced in the sky, higher and higher. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind snapped the string! Leo watched in dismay as his beautiful red kite drifted over the tall oak trees and out of sight. A tear rolled down his cheek, but then he quickly wiped it away. He knew he had to get his kite back. He peered through the trees, trying to spot the red fabric. "It must be somewhere!" he whispered to himself, and he started walking into the woods, calling out, "Kite! Kite!"

1. What is Leo's main motivation for going into the woods?

2. What emotions does Leo feel when his kite breaks free? How do these emotions influence his actions?

Passage: The Big Race

Maya had been training for weeks for the school's annual three-legged race. Her partner, Sam, was fast, but Maya worried about their coordination. She wanted to win more than anything because the first-place team would get to choose a new book for the school library. Maya loved reading and believed the library needed more adventure stories. On the morning of the race, she woke up early and practiced tying their legs together one last time. "We can do this, Sam!" she cheered, even though her stomach fluttered with nerves. She knew she had to try her best for the library.

3. Maya's main motivation for wanting to win the race is to  .

4. Maya is motivated to win the race because she wants a prize for herself.

5. Describe how Maya's love for reading influences her actions before and during the race.