The Subconscious describes the essential feelings that form the foundation of character. These feelings are so basic that a character is often not aware of what they truly are. When The Subconscious is involved, a character is moved right to the fiber of its personality.

In contrast with the Preconscious, the Subconscious deals with the sum total of a character’s experiences that determine what attracts and repels it, whereas the Preconscious describes the innate responses which are not dependent on experience.

Excerpted from
The Zen of Story Structure

DEFINITION: The Subconscious: basic drives and desires.

SYNONYMS: libido, id, basic motivations, basic drives, anima.

DYNAMIC PAIR: The Preconscious, innate responses.