Quick character motivations for adventuring

When it’s impractical to indulge in a lengthy prologue

Ideally, for a long-term campaign, most player characters should have a reasonably well-developed backstory which details their motivations for taking up an adventuring life. But for one-shot sessions, mini-campaigns with poor survival odds, or demo games with newer players, it can be helpful to offer some quick, basic options for character motivations. These don’t have to be in-depth psychoanalytical studies, just enough information to place them in the world with a purpose.

Motivations by class:
wizard: lore-seeker, gain power
cleric: missionary, combat opposing beliefs
rogue: treasure-seeker, thrill-seeker
ranger: protect the land, exploration, hunt enemies
bard: lore-seeker, exploration, fame and fortune
druid: protect the land, cleanse the unnatural
fighter: improve skill, thrill of battle, defend others, fame and fortune
monk: improve skill, wisdom-seeker
paladin: right wrongs, protect the weak, cleanse evil, bring stability
barbarian: prove worth, test might
sorcerer: gain power, self-discovery

Motivations by alignment:
good: to help others
chaotic: wanderlust, follow whim
lawful: to bring stability to the land
neutral: fame and fortune, survival
evil: vengeance, power

Motivations by faction, religion, race or nationality:
varying, but frequently involving defending or crusading against applicable traditional enemies

Motivations by personal background:
varying, potentially dependent on whether local or well-traveled, having family connections or a lack thereof
escape or pursuit of responsibility, prophecy or foe(s)
following passion
completing a task set by a mentor, employer or liege

Motivations by traveling profession (can also be used as a group background for the whole party):
pursue tasks dependent on job, such as —
bounty hunter
diplomat
entertainer (eg. acrobat, animal-trainer, gladiator, miracle-worker, sharpshooter, stage magician, strongman, potentially incorporating all classes, not just bards)
mercenary
outlaw
scout

For a one-shot adventure, you just need to answer: where are they, and why?

For a mini-campaign, you may probably need to also add: where are they from, and where are they going? Characters don’t need to come with a twenty-six page prologue detailing their formative years, lineage, extraplanar love affairs and food allergies unless they’re embarking on a full campaign. And even then, there are no guarantees that they’ll even survive their first hostile encounter. While it’s a tragedy if a character with an intricate backstory dies early, try to remain impartial. One failed perception check, one poor initiative roll, and two rounds of critical hits from a cute little kobold, and it’s goodbye, would-be legend. Farewell, and may the dice favor your oddly familiar cousin a little better.