Grade 8 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.8.R.1.1
In 8th grade, you'll analyze complex character motivations - understanding that characters often want multiple things that may conflict with each other. You'll trace how character decisions create consequences that drive the plot forward, and analyze how internal and external conflicts interact to shape the story.
Real people - and realistic characters - rarely want just one thing. They have layered motivations that sometimes pull them in different directions.
Example: A character might want to succeed at school (motivation #1) AND keep their friendships (motivation #2). But what happens when studying for exams means missing their friend's important event? Now the character faces a conflict between their own motivations.
8th Grade Skill: Identify when characters have competing desires, and analyze how this creates conflict and drives decisions!
What it is: A struggle inside the character's mind or heart
Examples:
Signal words: "torn between," "couldn't decide," "part of her wanted"
What it is: A struggle between the character and an outside force
Types:
Signal words: "fought against," "couldn't escape," "they refused to let"
Jaylen stared at the audition sign-up sheet. Drama Club was performing "Romeo and Juliet," and the role of Romeo was everything he'd ever wanted. He could imagine the applause, the reviews, his name in the program.
But his best friend Marcus had talked about trying out for Romeo for months. Marcus, who had helped Jaylen through every difficult moment since fifth grade. Marcus, whose confidence had already taken a hit when he didn't make the basketball team.
"You should totally go for it," Marcus said, appearing beside him. His voice was encouraging, but Jaylen noticed how Marcus's eyes lingered on the sheet.
Jaylen's pen hovered over the paper. If he signed up and got the part, Marcus might be devastated. If he didn't sign up, he'd always wonder "what if?" Could their friendship survive competing against each other? Could he live with himself if he let this chance pass?
"Actually," Jaylen heard himself say, "I was thinking about trying out for Mercutio instead. The comic relief is more my style anyway."
Marcus's face lit up. "Really? That would be amazing! We could both be in it!"
As Marcus signed up for Romeo, Jaylen felt relief and regret in equal measure. He had protected his friendship. But as he wrote "Mercutio" next to his name, he couldn't shake the question: had he been loyal to Marcus, or just afraid to compete?
| Motivation | Evidence from Text | How It Affects Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wants to play Romeo | "the role of Romeo was everything he'd ever wanted" | Pulls toward signing up for Romeo |
| Wants to protect Marcus | "Marcus, who had helped Jaylen through every difficult moment" | Pulls toward stepping aside |
| Fears damaging friendship | "Could their friendship survive competing?" | Creates internal conflict |
Every major plot event connects to a character choice. Decisions create consequences that create new situations, which require new decisions.
Jaylen's Decision: Sign up for Mercutio instead of Romeo
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Immediate Consequence: Marcus is happy; friendship protected
⬇️
Internal Consequence: Jaylen feels "relief and regret in equal measure"
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Unresolved Question: "Was he loyal or just afraid?"
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Future Plot Possibility: This doubt could affect future decisions...
Remember: Complex characters have complex motivations. The most interesting conflicts happen when characters want things that can't all be true at once!