Super-objective

Definition

A super-objective is the overarching goal or driving force that motivates a character throughout a play or performance. It represents what a character ultimately desires and shapes their actions and decisions in pursuit of this aim. Understanding a character's super-objective helps actors to create depth in their performances by allowing them to connect their individual objectives within specific scenes to a larger narrative arc.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The super-objective helps unify an actor's portrayal of a character across different scenes by providing a consistent motivation.
2. In Stanislavski's approach, identifying the super-objective is essential for understanding the emotional journey of a character.
3. Actors often break down the super-objective into smaller objectives for each scene to maintain focus and drive.
4. A well-defined super-objective can make performances more compelling as it creates clarity in the character's intentions.
5. The super-objective can change throughout the course of a play as characters encounter obstacles and evolve in their journey.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's super-objective enhance an actor's performance?
  • Understanding a character's super-objective allows an actor to create a cohesive and compelling portrayal by connecting their actions and choices across scenes. By identifying what the character ultimately desires, actors can layer their performance with emotional depth, making it easier to convey the internal struggles and motivations that drive their character. This connection provides clarity and focus during the performance, allowing actors to stay true to their character's journey.
• In what ways does Stanislavski emphasize the importance of a super-objective in acting?
  • Stanislavski emphasizes the importance of a super-objective as it serves as the foundation for an actor's understanding of their character's motivations. He believed that without this overarching goal, performances can become disjointed and lack emotional resonance. By focusing on the super-objective, actors can navigate complex emotional landscapes and create believable arcs as they respond to obstacles that challenge their characters' desires.
• Evaluate how the concept of super-objective interacts with subtext to shape an actor's interpretation of their role.
  • The concept of super-objective interacts with subtext by providing a framework for understanding what lies beneath a character’s spoken words. While the super-objective outlines what a character fundamentally wants, subtext reveals the nuances of how they communicate those desires in various situations. An effective actor uses both concepts to create a layered performance, where actions reflect broader goals while also conveying complex emotions that may not be explicitly stated. This synergy enriches the character portrayal and keeps audiences engaged.

Related terms

objective: An objective refers to a specific goal that a character aims to achieve in a particular scene or moment within a performance.

subtext: Subtext is the underlying meaning or intention behind a character's spoken words, often revealing their true feelings and motivations.

given circumstances: Given circumstances are the specific details and context that define the environment, relationships, and situation surrounding a character, influencing their choices and actions.