Writing Strong Characters

What's the difference between the wants and needs of your characters?  Why is it important to know these for your characters?  What happens when you don't have these?

    The difference between a character's wants and their needs are that wants are external and needs are internal. The want is what drives the plot forwards; the goal of the character, whereas the need is what the character needs to learn about themselves in order to achieve their want and often drives the message and theme. This also applies to the obstacles as the things that prevent a character from getting what they want is external conflict while the things that prevents them from their need is internal, typically some trait or characteristic which holds them back. The video also highlights how wants are unique to every individual whilst needs are universal. This is because the wants are specific to that story, setting, and plot, but needs can be shared between completely different characters in wildly different contexts.

    It is important to know these for your character because it creates depth, interest, and connection. These are vital aspects that are needed in order to create an interesting and meaningful story. A story without wants feels aimless and can be confusing and a story without needs feels shallow and emotionally unstimulating. That is why it is important to understand this concept and have a combination of both within your story.