Goal

Definition

A goal is a specific target or desired outcome that individuals or characters strive to achieve. In storytelling, goals drive character motivation and actions, shaping their development and interactions throughout the narrative. By pursuing these goals, characters can experience growth, change, and conflict, which are essential for engaging storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goals can be internal, related to personal growth or emotional change, or external, focusing on tangible achievements or objectives.
2. A character's goal often influences their decisions and relationships with other characters, creating dynamics that drive the plot forward.
3. Characters may face obstacles in achieving their goals, which can lead to conflict and deepen their character arcs.
4. Goals can evolve over the course of a story as characters learn from their experiences and confront challenges.
5. The clarity and specificity of a character's goal can enhance audience engagement by providing a clear direction for the character's journey.

Review Questions

• How do goals influence a character's motivations and decisions throughout a story?
  • Goals are central to understanding a character's motivations as they provide direction for their actions. When characters set specific objectives, it shapes how they interact with others and the choices they make. For instance, a character pursuing a personal goal might behave differently compared to one driven by external pressures. This interplay between goals and motivations is essential for creating believable and relatable characters.
• Discuss the relationship between conflict and goals in storytelling. How does this relationship enhance character development?
  • Conflict often arises when characters have differing goals or face obstacles in achieving their own objectives. This tension not only propels the narrative forward but also provides opportunities for character development. As characters navigate challenges related to their goals, they reveal their true selves, grow emotionally, and sometimes even change their priorities. This dynamic deepens the audience's investment in the characters' journeys.
• Evaluate how a character's evolving goals contribute to their character arc and overall story progression.
  • A character's journey is often marked by changing goals that reflect their growth or transformation over time. As they encounter various challenges, their initial aspirations may shift based on new insights or experiences. This evolution not only enhances the complexity of the character but also adds layers to the narrative. By demonstrating how achieving or reevaluating goals impacts their relationships and decisions, writers can create rich character arcs that resonate with audiences.

Related terms

Motivation: The reason or driving force behind a character's actions and decisions, often linked to their goals.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that creates tension in a story, often arising from the pursuit of different goals by characters.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey a character undergoes throughout the story, often influenced by their pursuit of goals.