Glad I could present a new idea or a new perspective. That's the goal with the deep pov mastery series.

Absolutely!

Nice. I like the early deflection. I've fallen for the initial deflection way too often and it's led to a lot of rewrites. Getting deeper into the real motivaton behind the action is illuminating and so much easier to write and plan for 😀

I think this process is more about creating three-dimensional relatable characters who surprise readers, who have emotional journeys readers can identify with. It's not about how serious the story or the character. Almost everyone has a limiting belief that influences what they say and do and think. Just my two cents.

Yes - I find that those who prefer writing lighter stories feel they don't need to do this background work. I think it helps EVERY story. Your character doesn't need a deep dark trauma for this curiosity about why they do what they do, what their greatest fear is, etc.