Hidden agendas

Definition

Hidden agendas refer to the underlying motives or intentions that characters may have, which are not immediately apparent in their dialogue or actions. These agendas often drive conflict and tension within a story, creating layers of meaning in interactions. They play a crucial role in establishing subtext, where what is unsaid is just as important as what is expressed directly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Characters with hidden agendas often create dramatic irony, where the audience is aware of the true intentions while other characters remain oblivious.
2. Hidden agendas can lead to unexpected plot twists when revealed, adding complexity and depth to the story.
3. Effective use of hidden agendas enhances character development by showing how personal desires conflict with social expectations.
4. Dialogue that includes hidden agendas often requires careful crafting to ensure it remains subtle yet impactful.
5. Revealing a character's hidden agenda can serve as a pivotal moment in a screenplay, transforming relationships and altering the story's direction.

Review Questions

• How do hidden agendas contribute to the overall conflict within a story?
  • Hidden agendas create layers of conflict as characters pursue their own goals, which may clash with those of others. This tension drives the narrative, leading to misunderstandings and confrontations that keep audiences engaged. By not revealing their true intentions, characters create suspense and anticipation, making their interactions more dynamic.
• In what ways can writers effectively incorporate hidden agendas into character dialogue without making them overt?
  • Writers can weave hidden agendas into character dialogue by using subtext and implying motives through tone, body language, or ambiguous phrasing. This allows the audience to sense underlying tensions without explicitly stating them. By focusing on what characters say indirectly or how they react to others' words, writers can maintain an engaging narrative while keeping the true intentions concealed.
• Evaluate how the revelation of hidden agendas can impact character relationships and the overall narrative arc.
  • The revelation of hidden agendas can drastically change character dynamics, often leading to betrayal or reconciliation. When a character's true motives are exposed, it challenges existing relationships and forces characters to confront their conflicts. This turning point can shift the narrative arc, propelling the story into new directions as characters respond to these revelations and reassess their goals.

Related terms

Subtext: The underlying meaning or message in dialogue that goes beyond the literal words spoken, often revealing characters' true feelings or intentions.

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often arising from hidden agendas, creating tension and driving the narrative forward.

Motivation: The reason behind a character's actions or decisions, which may be influenced by their hidden agendas.