Motivation

Definition

Motivation in acting refers to the internal and external forces that drive a character to pursue specific goals and objectives within a scene or performance. It is what compels a character to take action, revealing their desires, needs, and emotional states. Understanding motivation is crucial because it influences how actors develop their characters, interpret texts, and connect with the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can be influenced by various factors including a character's background, relationships, and the circumstances they find themselves in.
2. Actors often explore their characters' motivations through techniques like backstory creation and emotional recall to create more authentic performances.
3. Understanding motivation allows actors to embody their roles more fully, as it connects them emotionally to their character's journey.
4. In classical texts, motivations can be more pronounced due to the heightened language and dramatic structure, making them essential for interpretation.
5. In rehearsal for solo performances, exploring motivation helps actors discover how to convey their character's inner life even without other actors on stage.

Review Questions

• How do objectives relate to a character's motivation in performance?
  • Objectives are directly tied to a character's motivation because they represent what the character wants to achieve at any given moment. The clearer the actor understands the motivations behind these objectives, the more convincingly they can portray their character’s journey. For instance, if a character's motivation stems from fear of loss, their objectives will be driven by actions aimed at preserving relationships or possessions.
• Discuss how motivation plays a role in interpreting classical texts and language in acting.
  • Motivation is essential when interpreting classical texts as it helps actors uncover the deeper meanings behind the heightened language. Characters in these works often have complex motivations that influence their actions and dialogue. By analyzing these motivations, actors can deliver lines with authenticity and emotional weight, ensuring that the essence of the character resonates with the audience. This understanding also aids in navigating the intricacies of archaic language by focusing on what drives the character forward.
• Evaluate how exploring motivation impacts rehearsal techniques for solo performances.
  • Exploring motivation significantly enhances rehearsal techniques for solo performances by allowing actors to delve deep into their character’s psyche. When an actor understands their character’s motivations, they can create nuanced portrayals that engage the audience even without other performers. This exploration leads to choices that reveal layers of emotion and intention, making the performance more compelling. Furthermore, it encourages actors to build a strong inner life for their characters, resulting in performances that are rich and layered.

Related terms

Objectives: The specific goals a character aims to achieve in a scene, which are often driven by their motivations.

Subtext: The underlying meaning or intention behind a character's words and actions, often shaped by their motivations.

Character Arc: The transformation or growth of a character throughout a narrative, often driven by their motivations and the obstacles they face.