Character objectives

Definition

Character objectives refer to the specific goals or desires that a character seeks to achieve within a play or performance. These objectives are crucial for actors as they guide the portrayal of their characters and help create depth and authenticity in their performances. Understanding character objectives enables actors and directors to make interpretative choices that drive the narrative forward and enhance the overall storytelling experience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character objectives can be both short-term and long-term, influencing how a character behaves throughout the story.
2. These objectives help actors understand their characters' relationships with others, as different characters may have conflicting goals.
3. Understanding character objectives is vital for creating dynamic interactions and believable conflicts in a performance.
4. Actors may use various techniques, such as Stanislavski's system, to identify and develop their character's objectives effectively.
5. The clarity of character objectives can enhance audience engagement by making the characters' journeys relatable and compelling.

Review Questions

• How do character objectives influence an actor's performance and portrayal of their character?
  • Character objectives play a fundamental role in shaping an actor's performance by providing clear goals for their character. When actors understand what their characters want, they can make more informed choices about their actions, emotions, and reactions in different scenes. This understanding helps create a more authentic portrayal, as the actor's choices will align with the character's desires, making the performance more engaging for the audience.
• In what ways can conflicting character objectives create tension and drama in a performance?
  • Conflicting character objectives are essential for generating tension and drama in a performance. When characters pursue opposing goals, it creates friction that drives the narrative forward. This conflict often leads to heightened emotions and critical turning points in the story, compelling the audience to invest in the outcome. Understanding these dynamics allows actors to bring depth to their interactions and showcase the complexity of human relationships.
• Evaluate the impact of clear character objectives on the overall effectiveness of storytelling in theatre.
  • Clear character objectives significantly enhance storytelling effectiveness in theatre by providing direction for both characters and the narrative arc. When characters have well-defined goals, it allows playwrights and directors to construct cohesive plots that resonate with audiences. Additionally, these objectives facilitate meaningful connections between characters, enriching their development and making their journeys more impactful. This clarity not only helps actors deliver powerful performances but also enables audiences to engage deeply with the story being told.

Related terms

Motivation: The driving force behind a character's actions, which explains why they pursue their objectives.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces within a story, often arising from differing character objectives.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or unspoken thoughts that inform a character's objectives and motivations.