Character goals

Definition

Character goals refer to the specific desires or objectives that a character aims to achieve throughout a story. These goals are essential for understanding a character's motivations and actions, as they drive the narrative forward and create conflict and tension. In analyzing a script, identifying character goals helps directors and actors connect with the emotional core of the story and build authentic portrayals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character goals can be classified into short-term and long-term objectives, impacting how a character behaves in various situations.
2. Understanding a character's goals can help actors deliver more nuanced performances by allowing them to focus on what their character truly wants.
3. Directors use character goals to inform staging and blocking choices, ensuring that actions align with the characters' desires.
4. Conflict often arises when characters have opposing goals, creating drama and engagement for the audience.
5. Clear articulation of character goals during rehearsals fosters collaboration between directors and actors, leading to more cohesive storytelling.

Review Questions

• How do character goals influence the development of conflict in a narrative?
  • Character goals are crucial in shaping conflict within a narrative because they often clash with those of other characters. When two or more characters pursue conflicting objectives, it creates tension that drives the plot forward. This conflict can manifest in various forms, such as emotional confrontations or physical struggles, making it essential for directors to analyze these goals during textual analysis.
• In what ways can understanding a character's goals enhance an actor's performance?
  • When an actor comprehends their character's goals, they can authentically embody the character's desires and motivations. This understanding allows them to make informed choices about their actions, reactions, and emotions during scenes. By connecting deeply with what their character aims to achieve, actors can deliver performances that resonate with the audience and feel genuine on stage.
• Evaluate the importance of aligning staging decisions with character goals in the directing process.
  • Aligning staging decisions with character goals is vital for creating a believable and engaging performance. When directors consider what each character wants at any given moment, they can make choices that visually support those objectives through blocking and movement. This alignment not only enhances storytelling but also helps communicate themes more effectively, allowing audiences to grasp the emotional stakes involved in the characters' journeys.

Related terms

character arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character throughout the narrative, often linked to their goals and how they evolve in response to challenges.

motivation: The underlying reasons or drives that propel a character towards their goals, influencing their decisions and behaviors.

conflict: The struggle between opposing forces within the story, often arising from differing character goals, which creates tension and propels the plot.