"Craving" originates from the Old English crafian (to demand, ask, or claim) and evolved into the Middle English Cravinge.  It is derived from Old Norse krefja (to demand) or related North Germanic krabojan.  It dates back to the 1300s in its current sense of intense desire.  The shift from demanding something (e.g., in a legal or serious context) to craving something (a mental, emotional, or physical hunger or yearning) occurred around 1400. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun craving was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with evidence for the noun craving dating back to before 1300 in the Early English Psalter.  It is derived from the verb crave, which has been in use since the Old English period (pre-1150).  The earliest known use of the adjective "craving" is in the mid-1600s, with the OEDs evidence from 1668.  It was created by adding the suffix -ing to crave, denoting a strong desire or longing.  The noun "cravings" (plural) specifically referring to vehement desires is documented from 1711.  

Craving in storytelling—often defined as a character’s deep desire, need, or obsession—is a foundational element of compelling narratives. It serves as the primary engine that drives the plot forward, generates necessary tension, and builds emotional connection with the audience. Without a clear, profound craving (want or need), a character lacks motivation, and the story often feels stagnant or pointless. 

Driving Plot and Creating Tension:  
The Engine of Action: A character’s desire (for love, revenge, justice, or safety) compels them to take action, creating a "need" that forces them to leave their comfort zone. 
Generating Conflict: When obstacles are placed between a character and their craving, tension is created. The higher the stakes of the craving, the more intense the conflict. 
Sustaining Curiosity: A, "will-they-or-won't-they" question regarding a character's desire keeps readers invested and turning pages.  

Building Character Depth and Empathy:  
Connecting with the Reader: Readers resonate with deeply felt, primal needs. When a character cares profoundly about something, the audience cares too. 
Revealing Internal Flaws: A character's craving is often rooted in their,, wounds, or secrets (e.g., Gatsby’s need to rewrite his past stems from shame), which adds psychological depth. 
Character Transformation: As characters chase what they crave, they often discover they need something else entirely, leading to character growth, change, and a satisfying arc. 

Elevating Story Quality:  
Moving from "Want" to "Need": While surface-level wants (fame, money) spark the story, deeper, primal needs (safety, love, acceptance) are what make stories memorable across age groups. 
Creating Authenticity: A character with a burning, authentic desire feels more real to the audience than one who is simply going through the motions. 
The "Unputdownable" Factor: A compelling, desperate craving is a key ingredient in making a book impossible to put down, often transforming a simple plot into a gripping narrative. 

The Writer's Own Craving (Passion):  
Fueling the Writing Process: The writer's own obsession or passion for a subject serves as the initial spark that makes the narrative compelling. 
Developing a Unique Voice: Writing from a place of personal, deep feeling ensures the voice is distinctive rather than "written by the numbers". 

We always need to distinguish between craving and craven.  I don't think anyone would be craving to be craven, 

Just the facts:

CRAVING Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

CRAVING Synonyms: 148 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

CRAVE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster