Objectives

Definition

In acting, objectives refer to the specific goals or desires that a character aims to achieve within a scene or throughout a performance. These goals drive the character's actions and choices, influencing how they interact with others and navigate their circumstances. Understanding objectives helps actors connect with their characters on a deeper level, as well as bring authenticity to their performances by creating clear motivations and intentions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objectives are essential for an actor to create a believable character, as they provide direction and purpose for every action taken on stage.
2. A character may have multiple objectives that can change throughout the story, often reflecting internal conflict or development.
3. Actors often analyze their scripts to identify clear objectives, which helps them understand how to portray their characters' desires convincingly.
4. Objectives can be explicit (stated directly in the script) or implicit (understood through subtext), requiring actors to dig deeper into their roles.
5. Understanding a character’s objectives is crucial when performing monologues, as it allows for a more compelling delivery that resonates with the audience.

Review Questions

• How do objectives influence an actor's approach to creating a character?
  • Objectives play a critical role in shaping how an actor interprets and portrays a character. By identifying the goals that drive the character’s actions, actors can make informed choices about how to express emotions and intentions. This understanding allows for a more nuanced performance, as it guides decisions about vocal tone, body language, and interactions with other characters.
• In what ways can recognizing subtext enhance an actor's ability to convey their character's objectives?
  • Recognizing subtext is vital for actors because it adds depth to the portrayal of objectives. Subtext often reveals hidden desires or conflicts that aren't directly stated in the dialogue. By understanding these layers, actors can create performances that reflect the complexity of their characters’ motivations, making their objectives more compelling and relatable to the audience.
• Discuss the relationship between given circumstances and a character’s objectives in shaping dramatic tension within a scene.
  • The relationship between given circumstances and a character's objectives is fundamental in creating dramatic tension. Given circumstances provide the backdrop against which objectives are pursued, influencing how characters react and interact. When circumstances present obstacles to achieving their goals, tension builds as audiences become invested in whether or not the character will succeed. This dynamic interplay is crucial for maintaining engagement throughout the performance.

Related terms

Objectives in Action: The tangible steps or behaviors an actor uses to pursue their character's objectives, showcasing how intentions manifest in performance.

Motivation: The underlying reasons behind a character's objectives, which inform their emotional state and decision-making process in a scene.

Given Circumstances:

The specific context surrounding the character's situation, including time, place, and relationships, which influences their objectives and choices.