Objectives

Definition

Objectives in acting refer to the specific goals that a character aims to achieve throughout a scene or performance. These goals guide an actor's choices and behaviors, influencing their emotional and physical portrayal of the character. Understanding objectives helps actors stay focused and makes their performances more authentic and compelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objectives can be short-term, relating to a single scene, or long-term, influencing the character's journey throughout the entire narrative.
2. Actors often break down their lines and actions to clarify their objectives, making it easier to deliver believable performances.
3. Different characters in a scene may have conflicting objectives, creating dramatic tension and enriching the storytelling.
4. In Stanislavski's system, identifying a character's objectives is crucial for creating a believable and layered portrayal.
5. Objectives are not static; they can evolve throughout the performance as characters respond to changing circumstances and interactions with others.

Review Questions

• How do objectives contribute to an actor's understanding of their character during a performance?
  • Objectives are essential for an actor as they provide a clear focus on what the character wants in each scene. By understanding these goals, actors can make informed choices about how to deliver their lines and interact with other characters, leading to a more authentic portrayal. This clarity allows them to navigate complex emotional landscapes and stay true to the essence of their character.
• Discuss how the concept of objectives is utilized in both Stanislavski's system and Method acting.
  • Both Stanislavski's system and Method acting emphasize the importance of objectives in shaping a character’s journey. In Stanislavski’s approach, objectives guide the actor's choices and create realistic portrayals by ensuring that every action serves a purpose. Similarly, Method acting focuses on deeply connecting with a character’s motivations and emotional state, allowing actors to fully embody their objectives. This connection enhances performances by making them feel genuine and relatable.
• Evaluate the role of conflicting objectives in driving narrative tension within a performance.
  • Conflicting objectives among characters create significant narrative tension, enhancing the overall dramatic impact of a performance. When characters have opposing goals, it leads to conflict that is essential for engaging storytelling. This tension forces characters to react and adapt to one another, revealing deeper layers of their personalities and motivations. Ultimately, exploring these dynamics enriches the audience's experience and adds complexity to the narrative arc.

Related terms

Superobjective: The overarching goal that drives a character's actions throughout the entire play, often reflecting their deepest desires or needs.

Motivation: The reason behind a character's objectives, often tied to their personal history or circumstances that propel them toward achieving their goals.

Action: The physical or emotional steps an actor takes to pursue their objectives, embodying the character's intentions through performance.