Objective

Definition

In acting, an objective refers to what a character wants to achieve in a scene or throughout the entire play. This desire drives their actions and decisions, influencing their interactions with other characters and the storyline. Understanding a character's objective is crucial for portraying authentic performances, as it reveals their motivations and the underlying tensions within the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objectives can be both short-term (specific to a scene) and long-term (relating to the character's overall journey in the story).
2. Characters often have conflicting objectives with others, leading to dramatic tension and interesting dynamics in scenes.
3. Identifying a character's objective helps actors connect with their roles on a deeper level, allowing for more authentic portrayals.
4. Objectives are not static; they can evolve based on the events occurring within the story, requiring actors to remain flexible in their performances.
5. An actor's understanding of their character's objective is essential when working collaboratively with other actors, as it shapes how they react to each other's choices.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's objective enhance an actor's performance?
  • Understanding a character's objective helps an actor fully engage with their role by providing clarity on what drives their actions and choices. It allows the actor to embody the character more authentically, as they can focus on fulfilling that desire throughout their performance. This clarity not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to a more cohesive interaction with fellow actors, resulting in a richer portrayal of the narrative.
• Discuss how conflicting objectives among characters create tension in a scene and influence audience engagement.
  • Conflicting objectives among characters create natural tension and drama within a scene, as each character's desires clash with one another. This friction keeps the audience invested in the outcome, as they become emotionally connected to the stakes involved. The dynamic interplay between characters striving for their respective objectives adds depth to the narrative, making it compelling and relatable.
• Evaluate how an actor can adapt their portrayal of a character's objective during rehearsal and performance based on feedback from peers and directors.
  • An actor can refine their portrayal of a character's objective by actively listening to feedback from peers and directors during rehearsals. This feedback can highlight areas where the actor may need to adjust their understanding or execution of the objective, allowing for growth and evolution in performance. By being receptive to collaboration, an actor can better align their choices with the overall vision of the production, ensuring that their portrayal remains dynamic and responsive to the unfolding story.

Related terms

Superobjective:

The overarching goal that a character strives for throughout the entire play, often guiding their actions and decisions in each scene.

Obstacle: Any external or internal challenge that stands in the way of a character achieving their objective, creating conflict and tension in the narrative.

Action: The physical or emotional steps a character takes to achieve their objective, essential for driving the story forward and engaging the audience.