WFFF

This is for future reference. (6/26/26)

Emotional

• Love
• Acceptance
• Belonging
• Understanding
• Forgiveness
• Peace
• Happiness
• Hope
• Comfort
• Security

Personal

• Freedom
• Purpose
• Achievement
• Success
• Recognition
• Respect
• Independence
• Growth
• Confidence
• Mastery

Relational

• Friendship
• Family
• Intimacy
• Trust
• Loyalty
• Companionship
• Community

Existential

• Meaning
• Identity
• Truth
• Justice
• Legacy
• Immortality (or to be remembered)
• Adventure
• Wonder

Material or Practical

• Wealth
• Health
• Safety
• Stability
• Home
• Leisure
• Beauty

Creative

• Self-expression
• Inspiration
• Discovery
• Creation
• Curiosity

For storytelling, these deeper yearnings often make compelling character motivations. A character may say they want money, but what they truly yearn for is security. They may chase fame, but long for recognition or love. Someone seeking revenge may really be yearning for justice or closure. Exploring that underlying desire can add depth to a character’s actions.