Character & POV
3 min read

Internal objects of desire

An abstract image of swirling patterns representing internal objects of desire

Characters are like icebergs. Their actions, the tip above the water, are driven by a mammoth mass of desires lurking beneath the surface. In this article, we'll be diving deep into the sub-surface realm of internal objects of desire – what they are, why they matter, and how you, as a writer, can bring them to life in your narrative.

What are internal objects of desire?

An internal object of desire is a character's innermost yearning. It's not the tangible goal they're chasing (that's the external object of desire), but a deep-seated need that drives their emotional journey. Examples could range from a thirst for revenge, a need for love, to a quest for acceptance.

These desires matter because they're what humanise your characters. They create emotional depth and dimension, making your characters feel real and relatable to your readers.

Identifying internal objects of desire

A character's internal desires stem from their backstory and their flaws. These desires are their response to past experiences and their way of compensating for their perceived inadequacies. For example, a character who experienced bullying as a child might have an internal desire for power and control.

Character motivation is another clue to their internal desires. What does your character secretly yearn for? What do they believe will bring them happiness, satisfaction, or fulfilment?

Developing internal objects of desire

Showing a character's internal desire requires subtlety and craft. It's more about hinting and implying rather than outright stating. For example, you could depict a character's yearning for acceptance through their constant efforts to please others.

Conflict and obstacles are crucial in developing internal desires. They highlight the gap between what the character wants and what they have, fuelling their emotional journey and growth.

A deep dive into common types of internal objects of desire

Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a framework, let's explore the diverse palette of internal objects of desire that can shape your character's emotional journey.

1. Physiological needs

At the bottom of Maslow's pyramid lie the most basic physiological needs – food, water, warmth, and rest. While these are more commonly associated with external desires, they can occasionally manifest as internal desires too. For example, a character who's experienced extreme poverty or hunger might harbour a deep-seated desire for security and stability.

2. Safety needs

Once the physiological needs are met, the focus shifts to safety needs. A character's internal desire could be for safety and security – not just physical, but also emotional or financial. For example, a character who's grown up in a volatile environment might yearn for stability and predictability.

3. Love and belonging

In the middle of the pyramid lie the social needs. These encompass love, friendship, intimacy, and a sense of belonging. A character's internal desire could revolve around these – perhaps a yearning for love and acceptance, a need to belong, or a quest for companionship.

For instance, in Harry Potter, despite all his magical adventures and epic battles, what Harry truly yearns for is a sense of belonging – a family.

4. Esteem needs

Next up are the esteem needs – the desire for prestige, accomplishment, and recognition. These can manifest as a character's internal desire for respect, admiration, or self-esteem. A character might be driven by a need to prove themselves, to gain recognition, or to build self-confidence.

For example, in Pride and Prejudice, both Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy grapple with their internal desires for respect and recognition – Elizabeth for her wit and intellect, and Darcy for his character and integrity.

5. Self-actualisation

At the apex of Maslow's pyramid lies the desire for self-actualisation – the need to realise one's full potential and seek personal growth. Characters at this level would harbour internal desires for growth, learning, creativity, or fulfilment.

For example, Jo March in Little Women has an internal desire to break free from societal norms, pursue her passion for writing, and realise her creative potential.

Using internal objects of desire in writing

Internal objects of desire are powerful tools in narrative crafting. They underpin the character's arc, provide emotional fuel for the plot, and build tension and suspense.

For instance, a character's internal desire for self-acceptance could trigger their journey of self-discovery. Their struggles and conflicts, their triumphs and failures – all would serve to inch them closer to their desire, creating a compelling character arc.

Examples of internal objects of desire in literature

From The Great Gatsby to Harry Potter, internal objects of desire have shaped some of the most unforgettable characters in literature. Jay Gatsby's internal desire for acceptance fuels his quest for wealth, while Harry Potter's yearning for belonging shapes his emotional journey.

Modern fiction also teems with examples. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen's desire to protect her sister drives her actions, while in The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield's search for authenticity underscores his narrative.

At the heart of the matter

Understanding and crafting your character's internal objects of desire is no easy feat. It's like being an archaeologist, digging through layers of backstory and motivation to unearth what your character truly yearns for.

So take up your metaphorical shovel and start digging. Because once you uncover your character's internal objects of desire, you're not just breathing life into them – you're making them feel real, human, and deeply relatable to your readers. And that, fellow writers, is the essence of storytelling.

💡 Read more: 101 potential internal objects of desire