An actuator, which can include piezoelectric material, is provided in the form of a single-layer or multi-layer flat plate. At least one layer has two electrodes spaced from each other by means of a separating area and arranged opposite each other both on the upper face of the at least one layer and on the lower face of the at least one layer. The electrodes of the upper face are arranged at an offset from the electrodes of the lower face. A motor is also provided to include the actuator and a movable element to be driven by means of the actuator.