Craft of Film Writing

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Goals

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Craft of Film Writing

Definition

Goals are the specific objectives or outcomes that a character aims to achieve within a story. These objectives drive the character's actions and decisions, shaping their development and the narrative as a whole. By establishing clear goals, writers can create compelling arcs that keep audiences engaged with characters' struggles and triumphs.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Goals can be external (like achieving a physical object) or internal (such as emotional healing), and both types are essential for character development.
  2. A character's goals often reflect their values and beliefs, making them relatable and complex to the audience.
  3. Characters may have short-term goals that contribute to long-term objectives, providing layers of depth to their motivations.
  4. Achieving or failing to achieve these goals typically leads to significant turning points in the plot, creating moments of drama and revelation.
  5. The clarity of a character's goals can enhance the overall pacing of the story, helping to maintain engagement and interest throughout.

Review Questions

  • How do a character's goals influence their actions and decisions throughout a narrative?
    • A character's goals serve as the driving force behind their actions, shaping the choices they make and the paths they pursue. When characters are faced with challenges, their determination to achieve their goals often leads them to confront obstacles, make sacrifices, or take risks. This interplay between goals and actions not only propels the plot forward but also deepens character development as audiences witness how characters evolve in response to their pursuit of these objectives.
  • In what ways do conflicts arise from characters' goals, and how do these conflicts enhance storytelling?
    • Conflicts stem from the tension between a character’s goals and the obstacles they face in achieving them. This struggle creates dramatic tension that keeps audiences engaged. When characters encounter external conflicts, like antagonists or circumstances that thwart their efforts, it heightens stakes and urgency. Additionally, internal conflicts may arise when a character's goals clash with their morals or desires, adding complexity to their journey and enriching the narrative with emotional depth.
  • Evaluate the importance of both short-term and long-term goals in shaping a character's arc and overall narrative structure.
    • Short-term goals often provide immediate challenges that characters must overcome, while long-term goals reveal deeper aspirations that drive their overarching journey. This duality creates a dynamic narrative structure where characters evolve through each step they take towards achieving these goals. As they navigate through various trials associated with both types of goals, audiences can witness significant growth or change in characters, leading to impactful conclusions. Ultimately, this layering of goals adds richness to storytelling by illustrating how different pursuits contribute to the complexity of character arcs.
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