Character Objectives

Definition

Character objectives refer to the goals or desires that a character strives to achieve within a scene or story. Understanding these objectives helps actors create authentic performances by connecting deeply with their characters' motivations and actions, which is essential for effective storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character objectives can be both short-term and long-term, influencing how a character behaves throughout the story.
2. Identifying a character's objective often involves examining their given circumstances and emotional state, as these factors shape what they want to achieve.
3. Objectives can evolve during a performance as characters encounter new challenges or conflicts that force them to reassess their goals.
4. Actors use techniques like improvisation to explore different ways their character might pursue their objectives, enhancing authenticity.
5. Strong character objectives are critical for engaging scenes, as they provide clear stakes for the actor and connect with the audience.

Review Questions

• How do character objectives influence an actor's performance in a scene?
  • Character objectives guide an actor's choices and actions within a scene. By understanding what their character wants, actors can make informed decisions about how to deliver lines, express emotions, and react to other characters. This clarity helps create a more believable performance, as the actor's choices will align with the character’s desires, making the storytelling more compelling.
• In what ways do given circumstances impact a character's objectives and their pursuit of those goals?
  • Given circumstances provide the context in which a character operates, shaping their objectives based on external factors like time, place, and relationships. For instance, if a character is in a high-stakes situation, their objective might be driven by urgency or fear. Understanding these elements allows actors to portray their characters' pursuits more authentically, revealing how environment influences desire.
• Evaluate the importance of identifying character objectives when refining a monologue performance.
  • Identifying character objectives is crucial for refining monologue performances as it gives depth to the delivery. When an actor understands what their character wants, it transforms how they present the material—emphasizing emotional nuances and subtext. This clarity not only enhances the connection with the audience but also provides a framework for building tension and engagement throughout the monologue.

Related terms

Motivation: The underlying reason or driving force behind a character's actions and decisions, often tied to their objectives.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces, which often arises from competing objectives and drives the narrative forward.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or intention behind a character's words and actions, often revealing their true objectives in a scene.