Goal

Definition

In storytelling, a goal refers to the specific objective or desire that drives a character's actions and decisions throughout the narrative. It is essential for creating relatable protagonists and antagonists, as it gives them purpose and direction. A well-defined goal helps structure scenes effectively, escalates conflict, and can be succinctly captured in compelling loglines that hook the audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A clear goal is crucial for both protagonists and antagonists; it defines their role in the story and engages the audience.
2. Goals can be internal (personal desires) or external (tangible objectives), adding depth to character development.
3. As characters pursue their goals, obstacles and challenges are introduced, which heightens tension and conflict within the narrative.
4. The resolution of a character's goal often leads to significant turning points in the story, impacting the overall plot direction.
5. Crafting a logline that encapsulates a character's goal can significantly enhance the pitch for a screenplay, making it more intriguing to potential viewers.

Review Questions

• How does defining a character's goal contribute to making them memorable and relatable?
  • A character's goal serves as a foundation for their actions and decisions, making them more relatable to the audience. When viewers understand what a character wants, they can empathize with their struggles and triumphs. This connection deepens when both protagonists and antagonists have clear goals, highlighting the stakes involved and enhancing emotional investment in the story.
• In what ways does a character's pursuit of their goal shape scene structure and drive narrative momentum?
  • A character's pursuit of their goal creates the backbone of scene structure by guiding what happens next. Each scene typically focuses on advancing the goal or presenting obstacles that challenge it. This dynamic ensures that scenes feel purposeful and interconnected, driving narrative momentum as viewers become invested in whether the character will achieve their goal.
• Evaluate how escalating conflict relates to a character's goal and impacts the story's climax.
  • Escalating conflict is intrinsically linked to a character's goal because it introduces challenges that must be overcome for success. As these conflicts intensify, they create higher stakes for the protagonist, making their journey more compelling. The culmination of this conflict often reaches its peak during the climax, where the outcome of pursuing the goal is determined, leading to significant resolution or transformation for the character.

Related terms

Motivation: The underlying reasons or desires that compel a character to pursue their goal.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces, which often arises from characters pursuing their goals.

Character Arc:

The transformation or journey a character undergoes in relation to their goal, often leading to growth or change.