Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-203.129.23.222-20130906131117/@comment-3257939-20150502030621

Let's include the fact that Semblances are a more active way to use your aura as explained in WoR: Aura. This means that Semblances vary from person because it's a reflection of who they are. For example: Yang's Semblance is a reflection of her explosive personality.

Since Jaune's motivation comes from the fact that he doesn't want to be the damsel in distress but rather the hero, then, it could be translated as Jaune wanting to protect than being protected which reflects perfectly in his Semblance: Protective.

If his Semblance is a shield, forcefield or something that allows him to defend himself and other people around him, it will suit Jaune because when he's protecting someone, that's when he shows what he's capable of.