3.1 Defining and Analyzing Character Objectives

Stanislavski's System helps actors dive deep into their characters' minds. It's all about figuring out what drives them, from big-picture goals to tiny moment-to-moment desires. This approach makes performances more real and engaging.

Understanding character objectives is key to bringing roles to life. By breaking down wants, needs, and motivations, actors can create complex, believable characters that resonate with audiences. It's the secret sauce of great acting.

Character Objectives

Understanding Overarching Goals

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• Superobjective represents the character's ultimate goal throughout the entire play or performance
• Drives all of the character's actions and decisions from beginning to end
• Remains constant and influences every scene and interaction (Hamlet's desire for revenge)
• Scene objective focuses on what the character wants to achieve within a specific scene
• Changes from scene to scene as the story progresses
• Aligns with the superobjective but addresses immediate concerns (Hamlet confronting his mother)

Analyzing Moment-to-Moment Intentions

• Beat objective refers to the character's goal within a smaller unit of action or dialogue
• Can change rapidly within a scene as the character reacts to new information or obstacles
• Helps actors maintain focus and intention in each moment of performance
• Wants represent the character's conscious desires or surface-level goals
• Often verbalized or directly pursued by the character (Romeo wanting to marry Juliet)
• Needs encompass the character's deeper, sometimes unconscious motivations
• May conflict with wants, creating internal struggle and complexity (Macbeth's need for power vs. his want for loyalty)

Character Analysis

Examining External Factors

• Given circumstances include all the factual information about a character's situation
• Encompasses time period, location, social status, relationships, and past events
• Provides context for understanding the character's behavior and choices
• Motivation stems from the character's desires, fears, and experiences
• Drives the character's actions and reactions throughout the story
• Can be influenced by both internal and external factors (Lady Macbeth's ambition)

Exploring Internal Dimensions

• Character analysis involves a deep examination of a character's personality, beliefs, and values
• Includes studying the character's background, relationships, and psychological makeup
• Helps actors develop a fully-realized portrayal of the character
• Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or emotions behind a character's words or actions
• Often contrasts with what is explicitly stated or shown (Iago's hidden malice in Othello)
• Adds depth and complexity to performances and character interactions

Tracing Character Development

• Character arc traces the evolution of a character throughout the course of the story
• Shows how experiences and events change the character's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors
• Can be positive (growth), negative (decline), or flat (minimal change)
• Involves identifying key moments of change or revelation for the character
• Helps actors understand how to portray the character's journey over time (Nora's transformation in A Doll's House)
• Informs choices in physicality, vocal quality, and emotional expression at different points in the play