The movie version of The Lord of the Rings is a grand example of all four motivators in operation. As discussed in a previous blog post , each motivator is well represented in the Fellowship of the Ring.
But characters don’t have to be locked into a single motivator—or even just two. Some individuals, both in fiction and in real life, are a nearly even blend of all four.
My oldest daughter is one such person. At first glance, this might seem ideal. After all, wouldn’t having all four strengths in equal measure be the best possible outcome? But in reality, it comes with its own set of challenges. She can shift so easily between motivators, that she has to be intentional about staying in one mode long enough for its strengths to be fully effective.
What does this look like when done well in a fictional character? Enter Movie Gandalf.
Gandalf: A Character Who Embodies All Four Motivators
Throughout the films, Gandalf seamlessly moves between motivators as needed.
✔ Driver – He pushes Frodo and Sam out the door, setting them on their journey.
✔ Solutionary – He pieces together the puzzle of the One Ring’s identity.
✔ Influencer – He is deeply connected to the hobbits and trusts their ability to withstand the Ring’s corrupting influence.
✔ Stabilizer – He identifies which choices present the greatest chance for long term safety.
This balance makes him one of the most dynamic and capable characters in the story, but it also comes with stress responses that mirror his opponents.
Gandalf’s Stress Responses: Meeting Like with Like
With such an even balance, Gandalf doesn’t just face opposition—he mirrors the tactics used against him.
🔥 The Balrog’s Intimidation (Driver vs. Driver)
When the Balrog came onto the scene, the Fellowship ran. Once Gandalf knew the others could get to safety, he stood his ground.
This wasn’t just a selfless act of courage. it was a Driver meeting a Driver on equal terms. The Balrog exuded sheer intimidation, radiating an overwhelming presence that would have broken a weaker opponent.
But Gandalf wielded true intimidation in return. His ring of fire Narya countered the Balrog’s dark fire, negating its aura of terror. This wasn’t bravado; it was a return challenge.
🌑 Deconstructing Sauron’s Strategy (Solutionary vs. Solutionary)
Sauron’s strategic dismantling of opposition was carefully calculated. He played his enemies like chess pieces, ensuring their morale and resources collapsed before battle even began.
But Gandalf deconstructed every one of Sauron’s long-term maneuvers:
✔ He ensured Rohan rode to war instead of remaining divided.
✔ He secured Gondor’s resistance, despite Denethor’s negligence.
✔ He set up a balanced Fellowship that could empower the Ringbearer to infiltrate Sauron’s stronghold.
✔ He orchestrated Aragorn’s distraction at the Black Gate, pulling Sauron’s attention away from the real threat.
Rather than directly countering Sauron’s power, Gandalf undermined his carefully laid strategies, ensuring that by the time Sauron realized the threat, it was already too late.
🐍 Breaking Wormtongue’s Influence (Influencer vs. Influencer)
Wormtongue systematically severed King Theoden’s relationships and dismantled trust in others, ensuring no one in Rohan could challenge Saruman.
- He isolated Théoden from his allies.
- He vilified and expelled those who told the truth (such as Éomer).
- He positioned himself as Théoden’s only trusted voice.
Gandalf countered this method with its own negative—breaking every false connection Wormtongue had forged:
✔ He severed Wormtongue’s influence over Théoden.
✔ He undid the false narratives that had kept Théoden isolated.
✔ He broke Saruman’s connection that controlled Théoden.
Rather than restoring connections, Gandalf wielded disconnection—turning Wormtongue’s tactics back on him.
🏰 Withholding Against Saruman & Denethor (Stabilizer vs. Stabilizer)
Both Saruman and Denethor withheld from the protagonists.
- Saruman withheld knowledge to cause failure. He knew the One Ring had been found, but told no one until Gandalf came to him seeking council. Then he imprisoned Gandalf, trying to withhold the information still.
- Denethor withheld military orders to defend the city of Minas Tirith, weakening Gondor’s defenses to ensure a swifter defeat rather than the prolonged torture he feared Sauron would inflict.
Once Gandalf identified their tactics, he withheld in return:
✔ He withheld the identity of the Ring-bearer, hampering Saruman’s ability to intercept the mission.
✔ He withheld obedience from Denethor, defying his refusal to light the beacons. He also withheld respect, knocking him on the head before calling the men to battlestations.
By revealing and challenging their weaknesses, Gandalf ensured their tactics couldn’t succeed.
Why Gandalf Isn’t a Mary Sue
Writing a balanced character isn’t as simple as making them good at everything. When authors do this, they create a Mary Sue—a character without real challenges or flaws, which readers tend to resent.
Yet no one accuses Movie Gandalf of being a Mary Sue. Even when he returns as the more powerful Gandalf the White, he remains flawed and complex. Why?
Because the flaws of each motivator are just as present as the strengths.
Applying This to Your Own Writing
A well-balanced character doesn’t mean they’re always effective—it means they must learn when and how to lean into each motivator.
If you want to craft a dynamic and believable character, ask yourself:
✅ Do they shift between motivators with purpose?
✅ Are their strengths also their weaknesses?
✅ Do they counter their enemies through direct opposition, or by mirroring their weaknesses?
The fact that a character balanced across all four motivators might struggle to stay in one long enough to be effective can make for a compelling internal arc—learning to be intentional about which motivator to use in order to succeed.
Want to Understand Motivators More Deeply?
To learn more about the Human NEXUS, and which type is your strongest, go to Chris Behnke’s website and take the Human NEXUS test. Take the free version for a short synopsis, or enter code ROlson10off for a discount on the paid version for all the information. Tell us if knowing what motivates you reinforces your writing process, or if it helps you to readjust.
🎯 Take the free test now → Human NEXUS
You can also join the newsletter. As a bonus, you’ll receive a free short story that takes place early in the life of one of the main characters in my fantasy novels. If you have any topics you would like to see in future articles, email us with your suggestion.
💬 Which fictional character do you think balances all four motivators well? Drop a comment below!
Follow us at
website: https://rebekaholsonventures.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorRebekahOlson
X: Rebekah Olson @Author_R_Olson
Truth Social: Rebekah @RebekahOlson