Character goals

Definition

Character goals refer to the specific desires or objectives that a character seeks to achieve throughout a narrative. These goals are essential for driving character development and influencing story arcs, as they often determine the choices characters make, the conflicts they encounter, and their overall growth or change throughout the series.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character goals can be categorized as short-term or long-term, impacting how a character's journey is portrayed over time.
2. Achieving or failing to achieve these goals can lead to significant changes in a character's personality or perspective.
3. Character goals often create conflict, not just within the character but also between different characters as they pursue competing objectives.
4. The clarity of a character's goals helps viewers understand their motivations and emotional stakes, making them more relatable.
5. In successful storytelling, character goals should evolve as the narrative progresses, reflecting growth and complexity in the character's journey.

Review Questions

• How do character goals influence the development of a character arc in a TV series?
  • Character goals play a crucial role in shaping a character arc by providing direction for their growth and transformation. As characters pursue their goals, they encounter various challenges that force them to adapt and change. This journey not only helps to define who they are but also impacts how viewers relate to them. The progression of these goals often mirrors the character's evolution, making their arc more engaging.
• Discuss the relationship between character goals and conflict in storytelling.
  • Character goals are intrinsically linked to conflict in storytelling since achieving those goals often involves overcoming obstacles or opposing forces. When characters strive for their objectives, they may clash with others who have different goals, leading to tension and drama within the narrative. This conflict not only fuels the plot but also deepens the audience's investment in the characters' journeys as they navigate these struggles.
• Evaluate how well-defined character goals enhance viewer engagement in TV series.
  • Well-defined character goals significantly enhance viewer engagement by creating relatable stakes and emotional investments in the characters' journeys. When audiences understand what characters want and see them actively working toward those objectives, it fosters empathy and connection. As viewers witness characters face challenges related to their goals, it heightens suspense and curiosity about the outcome, ultimately keeping them invested in the series.

Related terms

character arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, which is often influenced by their goals and the obstacles they face.

conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that propels the narrative forward, often arising from characters pursuing their goals.

motivation: The reasons behind a character's actions or decisions, closely tied to their goals and driving their behavior throughout the story.