Objectives and Tactics

Definition

Objectives and tactics refer to the goals that a character aims to achieve in a scene (objectives) and the methods they use to pursue these goals (tactics). Understanding this dynamic helps actors create more authentic performances by exploring the motivations behind their characters' actions, which is crucial in shaping the overall narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objectives can be both short-term, related to a specific scene, and long-term, affecting the overall arc of the character's journey.
2. Tactics can vary greatly depending on the character's personality, circumstances, and relationships with other characters in the scene.
3. Actors use objectives and tactics to build layers of complexity in their characters, making them more relatable and engaging.
4. Understanding objectives helps actors make informed choices about how their characters would realistically behave in a given situation.
5. In rehearsal, exploring different tactics can lead to surprising discoveries about a character's motivations and relationships with others.

Review Questions

• How do objectives influence the way an actor approaches their character in a scene?
  • Objectives provide the foundation for an actor's interpretation of their character. By understanding what their character wants to achieve in a scene, actors can make informed choices about how to portray emotions and reactions. This focus on objectives leads to more authentic performances as actors align their portrayal with the character's goals, resulting in a more compelling narrative.
• Discuss how differing objectives between characters can create conflict within a scene.
  • Differing objectives between characters are a primary source of conflict in any narrative. When characters have opposing goals, it sets up tension that drives the story forward. This conflict challenges each character to adapt their tactics, creating dynamic interactions that reveal deeper layers of their motivations and relationships. The resolution of these conflicts often serves as a key turning point in the narrative.
• Evaluate the impact of understanding both objectives and tactics on an actor's performance and the overall effectiveness of a production.
  • Understanding both objectives and tactics significantly enhances an actor's performance by allowing them to explore their character's inner life more deeply. When actors clearly define what their characters want (objectives) and how they plan to achieve it (tactics), they create more nuanced portrayals that resonate with audiences. This depth not only enriches individual performances but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of the production by ensuring that interactions among characters feel authentic and purposeful.

Related terms

Character Motivation: The driving force behind a character's actions and decisions, shaped by their objectives and personal background.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that propels the action forward, often arising from differing objectives between characters.

Subtext: The underlying meaning or context behind a character's words and actions, often influenced by their objectives and tactics.