Character goals

Definition

Character goals refer to the specific objectives or desires that a character strives to achieve throughout a narrative. These goals drive the character's actions and decisions, creating motivation that shapes their journey and contributes to the overall story arc, ultimately ensuring narrative cohesion and pacing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character goals help establish stakes in the story, making audiences care about the outcomes of the characters' journeys.
2. These goals can be external (tangible achievements) or internal (emotional or psychological growth), adding layers to character development.
3. Clear character goals enhance pacing by creating forward momentum as characters take actions towards achieving their objectives.
4. As characters encounter obstacles in pursuit of their goals, it creates conflict, which is essential for maintaining audience engagement.
5. Effective storytelling often requires characters' goals to evolve, reflecting their growth and experiences throughout the narrative.

Review Questions

• How do character goals influence narrative structure and audience engagement?
  • Character goals are central to narrative structure as they create a roadmap for the story, guiding the character's actions and decisions. When audiences see characters actively pursuing their goals, it fosters emotional investment and keeps them engaged. These goals also drive the plot forward; when characters encounter challenges or conflicts while striving for their objectives, it generates tension and anticipation for the audience.
• In what ways can conflicting character goals enhance a story’s pacing and thematic depth?
  • Conflicting character goals create dynamic interactions between characters, leading to heightened tension and drama within the narrative. This conflict not only propels the plot but also enriches thematic depth by exploring issues like ambition, morality, and personal sacrifice. As characters navigate these challenges, it creates opportunities for pacing variations, allowing moments of intensity interspersed with reflection, which keeps audiences engaged throughout.
• Evaluate how a character's evolving goals can reflect their personal growth and affect the overall narrative arc.
  • A character's evolving goals can significantly mirror their personal growth, showcasing how experiences shape their desires and motivations. As they face challenges and learn from their journeys, these shifts can lead to transformative moments that deepen their characterization. This evolution not only impacts their relationships with other characters but also influences the narrative arc by adding complexity and richness to the story's resolution, ultimately providing a satisfying payoff for the audience.

Related terms

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, often related to how they achieve or fail to achieve their goals.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, often arising from characters pursuing their goals, which propels the story forward.

Subplot: A secondary plotline that runs parallel to the main story, often involving different characters and their own goals, contributing to the overall narrative cohesion.