Motivation

Definition

Motivation in theatre refers to the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions, shaping how they respond to the world around them. It influences not only character development but also plot progression and thematic depth, as understanding a character's motivation allows for a richer exploration of their relationships and conflicts. It’s crucial for both actors and writers to grasp what fuels their characters' desires and choices to create a compelling narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Motivation can stem from internal desires such as love, fear, ambition, or revenge, influencing how characters interact with each other.
2. In the context of plot, characters' motivations often lead to key decisions that drive the story forward and create conflict.
3. Understanding motivation is essential for actors, as it helps them embody their characters authentically and connect with the audience.
4. Motivation can change throughout a performance or story, reflecting character growth or shifts in circumstances.
5. Themes in theatre often emerge from exploring different motivations of characters, highlighting universal human experiences and societal issues.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance the overall narrative in theatre?
  • Understanding a character's motivation is crucial because it provides insight into their actions and choices throughout the narrative. It enriches the plot by creating deeper conflicts and emotional stakes that resonate with the audience. This understanding allows both writers and actors to craft more authentic scenes, making the journey of the characters more engaging and meaningful.
• Discuss the relationship between motivation and conflict in a theatrical context.
  • Motivation and conflict are intrinsically linked in theatre. A character's motivation often leads to conflict when their desires clash with those of other characters or external circumstances. This tension propels the plot forward and keeps the audience invested in the outcome. By analyzing motivations, one can better understand the root causes of conflict within a story, revealing deeper themes and driving character development.
• Evaluate how different acting techniques approach the concept of motivation in character portrayal.
  • Different acting techniques like Stanislavski, Meisner, and Strasberg each have unique ways of addressing motivation. Stanislavski emphasizes emotional truth and encourages actors to explore their characters' motivations through personal experience. Meisner focuses on truthful reactions in moments of impulse, which requires actors to stay connected to their character’s motivation in real-time interactions. Strasberg's approach involves using affective memory to tap into emotional experiences related to a character's desires. Each method offers valuable tools for actors to convey motivation convincingly on stage.

Related terms

Objective: An objective is a specific goal or desire that a character strives to achieve in a scene, guiding their actions and decisions.

Conflict: Conflict refers to the struggle between opposing forces, often arising from differing motivations among characters, which drives the plot forward.

Backstory: Backstory is the history of a character that informs their motivations, providing context for their current actions and relationships.