Goal

Definition

A goal is a specific outcome or objective that an individual or character aims to achieve, serving as a driving force in their actions and decisions. In storytelling and character development, goals are essential for creating motivation, conflict, and growth, as they influence how characters interact with their environment and evolve throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Goals can be categorized as short-term or long-term, with short-term goals often serving as steps towards achieving larger objectives.
2. A character's goal often reveals their values, desires, and fears, making it a critical element in understanding their personality.
3. Characters may face obstacles or setbacks that complicate the pursuit of their goals, adding depth to the narrative.
4. The pursuit of a goal can lead to significant changes in a character's relationships and worldview.
5. In many stories, the resolution of a character's goal can serve as a turning point in the plot, impacting the overall outcome.

Review Questions

• How does a character's goal influence their actions and decisions throughout the narrative?
  • A character's goal is fundamental to their actions and decisions because it provides motivation for everything they do. As characters strive to achieve their goals, they make choices that reflect their desires and values. These choices shape the plot by creating opportunities for conflict and development. Ultimately, how a character pursues their goal reveals their true nature and drives the story forward.
• Discuss the relationship between conflict and a character's goal in terms of narrative tension.
  • Conflict is intricately tied to a character's goal as it introduces obstacles that must be overcome for the character to succeed. This tension creates drama and engages the audience by highlighting stakes and challenges faced by the character. When opposing forces challenge a character's pursuit of their goal, it not only heightens suspense but also deepens character development as they confront these challenges head-on.
• Evaluate how achieving or failing to achieve a goal impacts a character's overall development and transformation.
  • Achieving or failing to achieve a goal significantly impacts a character's development by influencing their emotional journey and worldview. When a character reaches their goal, it can lead to personal growth, fulfillment, or even unforeseen consequences that reshape their identity. Conversely, failure may spark resilience, new aspirations, or important lessons learned, ultimately leading to an evolved sense of self. This transformation is crucial in illustrating the complexities of human experience within storytelling.

Related terms

Motivation: The internal or external factors that drive a character to pursue their goals and influence their behavior.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that arises when a character's goals are challenged, creating tension in the story.

Character Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character as they work towards their goals, often resulting in personal growth or change.