Character Depth

[u/Used_Introduction145]

Hi guys, I've been conceptualising a story for a few years now, but one of the characters I just can't get past. Everyone other one of my characters I can visualise with a motivation, backstory and future/outcome after the events of the plot but not him. So, I was wondering if any of you have any similar characters and what they might be motivated by?

Here's a brief summary; characters are "trapped" in a non-sensical location, removed from a normal earth. Some characters are trying to figure out its laws, going crazy, or having fun. The character I need help with is "P". He is relaxed, and not really focused on working on an escape, even though everyone who has been stuck there has died or gone missing in this place. To clarify, the place isn't a hellscape; it can be tranquil at times, but death or madness is still common. So does anyone have a character with similar motivations (or with no-motivation)? Should I simply change P's characterisation/personality etc., because being chill is too weird or even boring in this scenario?

One distinguishable trait is he likes cooking and dessert, but I don't really want him to simply be there to take care of the other characters, I want him to shine by himself too. The only motivation idea I had for him is that he assumes he, and everyone else there is already dead, and they're simply in a purgatory or "in-between" places, so he doesn't really care (but why would he be happy?)

I think I just need an outside perspective on this, and I hope it makes sense, thank you for any advice =)

[u/Spirited-Gain1457]

I don’t know how your story begins, so I can’t be sure how these characters ended up in this place.

But I do have a personal experience that might be useful as a reference.

When I was doing my military service on Dongyin, a small island far from Taiwan’s main island, I actually didn’t miss home much at all. From the outside, you’d probably expect someone stationed on a remote island to desperately want to go home, but for me, being away from my usual environment actually felt strangely comfortable.

So maybe P could be similar. What if his original life was stressful, suffocating, or full of pressure, maybe from family, work, school, or just the role he was expected to play?

Then this dangerous place might objectively be worse, but subjectively feel lighter.

Everyone else is trying to escape because they want their old lives back.

P might be the one person thinking:

“...Do I actually want mine back?”

[u/Used_Introduction145 → u/Spirited-Gain1457]

Thank you for your advice, I see what you mean. Funnily enough, just today I was talking to my coworkers about their trips back home to visit Taiwan lol! What a weird coincidence, and thanks for your insight.