Objective

Definition

In the context of acting, an objective refers to a specific goal or intention that a character seeks to achieve within a scene or throughout a performance. This concept is crucial as it drives the character's actions, influences their choices, and shapes the overall narrative arc. Understanding a character's objective helps actors to connect emotionally with their roles and create more authentic performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An objective is typically formulated in terms of what the character wants to achieve in a specific scene, such as gaining approval or seeking revenge.
2. Actors often use objectives to guide their performances, allowing them to stay focused on their character’s desires and motivations.
3. Objectives can change throughout a play as characters react to new information, conflicts, or relationships that arise.
4. Stanislavski emphasized the importance of understanding both the immediate objective and the super objective to create a layered portrayal of a character.
5. Clear objectives help actors maintain clarity in their performance and create believable interactions with other characters on stage.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's objective enhance an actor's performance?
  • Understanding a character's objective enhances an actor's performance by providing a clear focus for their actions and decisions. When actors know what their character wants to achieve, they can channel their emotions and reactions more effectively, resulting in a more authentic portrayal. This clarity allows actors to interact meaningfully with other characters and create dynamic scenes that resonate with the audience.
• Discuss how objectives can evolve during a performance and the implications this has for character development.
  • Objectives can evolve during a performance as characters encounter new challenges, information, or emotional shifts. This evolution reflects the complexity of human behavior, making characters feel more real and relatable. When an actor successfully portrays these changes, it deepens the audience's engagement and understanding of the character's journey, showcasing growth or regression as they navigate obstacles.
• Evaluate the role of objectives in shaping both individual scenes and the overall narrative structure of a play.
  • Objectives play a crucial role in shaping individual scenes by providing direction and motivation for characters' actions. As characters pursue their objectives, they create conflict and tension that propel the story forward. On a larger scale, these individual objectives contribute to the overall narrative structure by intertwining with other characters' goals, resulting in a rich tapestry of interactions that drive the plot and deepen thematic elements throughout the play.

Related terms

Motivation: The underlying reason or desire that propels a character towards their objective, providing depth and authenticity to their actions.

Super Objective: The overarching goal or desire that a character pursues throughout the entire play or performance, influencing all of their actions and objectives.

Obstacle: Any external or internal force that challenges a character’s ability to achieve their objective, adding conflict and tension to the narrative.