1. Understand himself and his powers:
* Percy has always felt different, struggling with dyslexia and ADHD. Discovering he's a demigod and having a connection to the sea awakens a sense of belonging and purpose, even if he's initially scared and confused.
* He longs to understand his abilities and find his place in the world.
2. Prove his worth:
* Despite being mistreated and misunderstood, Percy is a fiercely independent and loyal person.
* He wants to prove his worth to himself, to his friends, and to his father, Poseidon, who is a distant figure in his life.
3. Protect the innocent:
* Throughout the book, Percy demonstrates a strong sense of justice and empathy. He cares deeply for his friends, Annabeth and Grover, and wants to protect them from harm.
* He also feels compelled to help others who are being unjustly targeted, even if it means putting himself in danger.
4. Find his true identity and family:
* Although he's initially hesitant, Percy ultimately embraces his demigod heritage.
* He wants to know more about his father and the world of gods and monsters.
* Finding his place within this new family is a driving force for him.
5. Challenge the status quo:
* Percy is a rebellious character who doesn't accept the rules or authority blindly. He often questions what he's told and takes risks to do what he believes is right.
* This rebellious spirit motivates him to stand up for what he believes in and challenge the established order, even if it means facing powerful forces.
In essence, Percy is motivated by a desire for self-discovery, belonging, and justice. He wants to understand his true self and use his abilities to protect those he cares about, even if it means fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds. He's not just fighting for himself, but for a better world.