Obstacles

Definition

Obstacles refer to challenges or barriers that characters face in a narrative, often hindering their progress toward achieving their goals. These conflicts can take various forms, such as external forces like antagonists or internal struggles like personal doubts, and are essential in driving the plot and character development forward.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obstacles are crucial for creating tension in a script, as they challenge characters and push the story forward.
2. Different types of obstacles can be used, including physical barriers, emotional challenges, and moral dilemmas, providing depth to character interactions.
3. In script coverage, identifying obstacles is key to assessing whether characters have meaningful journeys that resonate with audiences.
4. Well-crafted obstacles can lead to significant character growth, making the resolution more impactful and satisfying for viewers.
5. Obstacles should be integrated thoughtfully throughout the narrative to maintain engagement and keep the audience invested in character outcomes.

Review Questions

• How do obstacles enhance character development within a narrative?
  • Obstacles enhance character development by forcing characters to confront their fears, desires, and limitations. As they navigate through challenges, characters often experience growth and change, which contributes to a more compelling story. The way characters respond to obstacles reveals their true nature and shapes their journey, allowing audiences to connect with them on a deeper level.
• In what ways can different types of obstacles impact the overall narrative structure of a script?
  • Different types of obstacles can significantly impact the overall narrative structure by influencing pacing, tension, and thematic development. Physical obstacles might create action-driven scenes, while emotional or moral dilemmas can introduce deeper conflicts that prompt introspection. The interplay of various obstacles contributes to a layered storyline that engages viewers and sustains interest throughout the script.
• Evaluate how effectively identifying and developing obstacles can lead to a stronger script coverage analysis.
  • Identifying and developing obstacles allows for a more nuanced script coverage analysis by highlighting the core conflicts that drive the narrative. When obstacles are clearly defined and effectively integrated into character arcs, it showcases the potential for dramatic tension and audience engagement. Strong analysis considers how well these obstacles align with character motivations and resolutions, ultimately determining the script's viability in capturing an audience's interest.

Related terms

Conflict: The central struggle between opposing forces in a story, which often involves characters facing obstacles that create tension and drive the narrative.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout a story, often influenced by the obstacles they encounter and how they respond to them.

Resolution: The part of a narrative where conflicts are resolved, and characters confront their obstacles, leading to a conclusion and change in their circumstances.