Obstacle

Definition

An obstacle is any character, situation, or event that hinders a character's goals or desires, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward. Obstacles are essential in storytelling as they challenge characters, force them to adapt, and reveal their true selves through their struggles. Understanding obstacles is crucial for scene analysis and maintaining dramatic tension, as they create a sense of urgency and engagement for the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obstacles can be external, such as an antagonist or societal norms, or internal, like a character's fears or insecurities.
2. In scene analysis, identifying obstacles helps to clarify the stakes of the scene and the motivations of the characters involved.
3. Effective obstacles not only complicate a character's journey but also provide opportunities for growth and change throughout the narrative.
4. The presence of obstacles is vital in creating dramatic tension, as they create uncertainty about whether characters will achieve their goals.
5. The resolution of obstacles often leads to key turning points in the plot, impacting character relationships and overall story progression.

Review Questions

• How do obstacles contribute to character development in storytelling?
  • Obstacles are crucial for character development because they force characters to confront challenges that test their values, beliefs, and resilience. As characters navigate these obstacles, their responses reveal deeper layers of their personality and lead to growth or change. This process not only makes characters more relatable but also creates an emotional connection with the audience as they witness the struggles and triumphs of the characters.
• Discuss how analyzing obstacles can enhance our understanding of a scene's dramatic structure.
  • Analyzing obstacles allows us to see how they shape the dramatic structure of a scene by determining the stakes and conflicts at play. By identifying what stands in the way of a character's goals, we can understand the underlying tension that drives the scene. This enhances our appreciation of how each moment contributes to the overall narrative arc and keeps audiences engaged with the unfolding drama.
• Evaluate the role of obstacles in maintaining dramatic tension throughout a performance.
  • Obstacles play a pivotal role in maintaining dramatic tension as they introduce uncertainty and conflict into the storyline. When characters face significant hurdles, it creates suspense about whether they will achieve their goals. This tension compels the audience to stay invested in the outcome, as each obstacle raises questions about character motivations and potential resolutions. The strategic placement of obstacles ensures that the narrative remains dynamic, leading to an emotionally charged viewing experience.

Related terms

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often driving the plot and character development by presenting challenges that need to be resolved.

Goal: The specific aim or objective that a character strives to achieve, often in opposition to the obstacles they face.

Dramatic Tension: The emotional strain and suspense created in a scene that keeps the audience engaged and invested in the characters' outcomes.