Character objectives

Definition

Character objectives refer to the specific goals or desires that a character seeks to achieve within a narrative. These objectives drive the character's actions and decisions, influencing how they interact with other characters and their environment. Understanding character objectives is crucial for blocking in performance and camera work, as it helps define how a character moves, reacts, and presents themselves on stage or screen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character objectives can be short-term or long-term, impacting how the story unfolds and how the audience perceives the character.
2. In blocking for camera and performance, understanding character objectives helps actors decide where to move and how to interact with other characters effectively.
3. Different characters can have conflicting objectives, leading to dynamic interactions that drive the narrative forward.
4. A clear understanding of character objectives can enhance an actor's performance by providing depth and authenticity to their portrayal.
5. Directors often collaborate with actors to clarify character objectives, ensuring that the blocking aligns with the emotional arc of the story.

Review Questions

• How do character objectives influence blocking decisions in performance?
  • Character objectives are fundamental in shaping how an actor blocks their performance. When an actor understands what their character wants to achieve, they can make informed choices about their movements and interactions. This ensures that every gesture, step, and facial expression aligns with the character's goals, making the performance more engaging and believable.
• Discuss how conflicting character objectives can create tension in a scene.
  • Conflicting character objectives generate dramatic tension by pitting characters against each other in pursuit of their goals. This friction creates conflict, making scenes more dynamic and compelling. For instance, if one character wants to protect another while the latter seeks independence, their opposing desires lead to a clash that drives the narrative forward and keeps the audience invested.
• Evaluate the importance of subtext in conveying character objectives during a performance.
  • Subtext plays a crucial role in conveying character objectives, as it reveals the deeper motivations behind a character's spoken words and actions. By analyzing what characters say versus what they truly want, actors can add layers of complexity to their performances. This nuanced approach not only enriches the storytelling but also invites the audience to engage more deeply with the characters' journeys.

Related terms

Motivation: The underlying reasons or desires that drive a character to pursue their objectives.

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces in a story, often arising from differing character objectives that create tension.

Subtext: The underlying meaning or intent behind a character's dialogue and actions, which can reveal their true objectives.