The 16 Motivation Elements in Star Wars

Let's see how well these sixteen Motivation Elements line up with the characters we have examined so far. As Protagonist, Luke does indeed seem to be the pursuing character. He is also the one who urges all to consider the need to achieve the goal ("We've got to help the Princess!"). The Empire wants to prevent Luke from succeeding, and urges him and all others to reconsider the propriety of their actions--reconsider or you will die.

Obi-Wan provides a sense of conscience, while helping Luke when he gets into trouble. Darth, on the other hand, clearly represents the tempting "Dark side of the Force." Darth also hinders Luke's progress, the Rebel's progress, and even hinders progress by the Empire itself!

R2-D2 and C-3PO are ever faithful and supportive. Han is the never-ending disbeliever and opposer. Chewbacca acts on his feelings and behaves in an uncontrolled way. Leia is controlled and driven by logic.

Charted out, the assignment of characteristics to the various characters has a good feel to it.

Character Quads with Elements

Driver Quad

PROTAGONIST--LUKE

Pursue--Consideration

GUARDIAN--OBI-WAN                         CONTAGONIST--DARTH

Help--Conscience                               Hinder--Temptation

ANTAGONIST--R2-D2 + C-3PO

(Avoid) Prevent--Reconsideration

Passenger Quad

SIDEKICK--R2-D2 + C-3PO

Support--Faith

EMOTION--CHEWBACCA                         REASON--LEIA

Uncontrolled--Feeling                               Control--Logic

SKEPTIC--HAN

Oppose--Disbelief