Which emotion primarily drives the actions of Paolo and Francesca?

The actions of Paolo and Francesca in Dante's Inferno are primarily driven by lust. Their story is introduced in Canto 5, where they reveal that their romantic passion led to their tragic downfall. They were in love despite being aware of the societal and moral constraints surrounding their relationship, particularly because Francesca was married to Paolo’s brother, Gianciotto. This illicit love resulted in their betrayal, and ultimately their deaths.

The intense emotions connected to their bond demonstrate how lust can overpower reason and lead to dire consequences. In the context of Dante's poem, their punishment in the second circle of Hell, where they are swept away by endless winds, reflects the chaos and lack of control that such desires can bring. This directly ties the specific emotion of lust to their narrative, illustrating how it drove their actions and ultimately condemned them.