competitiveness theme

A character is conspicuously driven to outperform someone else or be victorious in a task where the goal can't be shared.

Examples

In tz1985e3x20 "A Game of Pool", Jesse and Fats were both extremely competitive pool players. Fats had returned from the afterlife, and Jesse staked his immortal soul simply for a chance to prove his mettle.

9 total · 6 major · 3 minor

StoryLevelMotivation
columbo1971e2x07 major Emmet Clayton was an extraordinarily competitive chess player.
movie: How to Make a Monster (2001) major The story follows three computer programmers as they compete against each other to make the scariest video game monster in an effort to win a $1 million bonus.
movie: The Blue Yonder (1985) major Max was determined to beat Charles Lindbergh and in so doing be the first to fly across the Atlantic Ocean solo.
tftc1989e2x03 major Each of the incorrigible gamblers Reno and Sam was determined to best the other in extremely risky games of chance to settle a longstanding rivalry.
tz1959e3x05 major Jesse and Fats Brown were both extremely competitive pool players.
tz1985e3x20 major Jesse and Fats were both extremely competitive pool players.
ic1976e11 minor Messalina competed against a famed prostitute in a tournament of sex to prove herself.
theamericanshortstory10 minor Charley insisted Frank play checkers with him. Cora insisted that Lucy play shuffleboard with her. Charley was so determined to beat Frank at horseshoes that he took practice at the game even though he'd never before shown any interest in it.
tz1959e1x03 minor Mr. Grant challenged Al Denton to a duel to prove he was the quickest draw in town.