Dramatic Goals

Definition

Dramatic goals refer to the specific objectives or desires that a character pursues throughout a performance, driving their actions and decisions. These goals are essential for creating conflict, tension, and motivation within a narrative, ultimately shaping how a character interacts with others and influences the story's outcome. Understanding dramatic goals is crucial for performers to effectively portray their characters and connect with the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dramatic goals can vary from scene to scene, with characters adjusting their objectives based on circumstances and interactions.
2. Identifying a character's dramatic goals helps actors understand their role in the story and provides clarity in their performance choices.
3. The pursuit of dramatic goals often leads to conflict, which is essential for engaging storytelling and character development.
4. Dramatic goals can be both external (e.g., achieving a specific task) and internal (e.g., finding self-acceptance), adding layers to a character's journey.
5. An actor's ability to convey their character's dramatic goals effectively can significantly impact the audience's emotional engagement with the performance.

Review Questions

• How do dramatic goals influence a character's actions and relationships within a performance?
  • Dramatic goals serve as the driving force behind a character's actions, dictating how they behave in various situations. When a character pursues their goals, it shapes their relationships with other characters, leading to conflict and tension. By understanding these objectives, performers can create more authentic portrayals that resonate with the audience, showcasing the complexities of human behavior.
• In what ways can the pursuit of dramatic goals lead to effective conflict in a monologue performance?
  • The pursuit of dramatic goals can generate effective conflict by placing the character in situations where their desires clash with obstacles or opposing characters. This struggle not only enhances the stakes of the performance but also reveals deeper aspects of the character's personality. By emphasizing these conflicts during a monologue, an actor can create dynamic moments that captivate the audience and illustrate the intensity of the character's journey.
• Evaluate how an actor can refine their portrayal of dramatic goals during monologue performances for greater audience impact.
  • To refine their portrayal of dramatic goals, an actor should analyze the text to identify clear objectives and motivations for their character. They can experiment with different emotional deliveries and physical choices that reflect these goals, ensuring authenticity and depth. Additionally, incorporating subtext allows the actor to convey hidden intentions, enhancing the complexity of their performance. Ultimately, by continuously critiquing and adjusting their approach based on feedback, an actor can create a compelling connection with the audience that highlights the significance of the character's journey.

Related terms

Character Motivation: The underlying reasons or desires that drive a character's actions and decisions in a performance.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that creates tension and propels the narrative forward.

Subtext: The underlying meaning or message in dialogue or action that is not explicitly stated but adds depth to a character's intentions.