Motivation

Definition

Motivation refers to the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions in a performance. It helps actors understand why their character behaves in a certain way, shaping their approach to scenes and interactions with others. A deep grasp of motivation allows performers to create believable, relatable characters and effectively convey emotional depth on stage or screen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Understanding a character's motivation can help actors deliver more authentic performances by connecting emotionally with the material.
2. Stanislavski emphasized the importance of motivation in his acting system, encouraging actors to explore the psychological reasons behind their character's choices.
3. In creating a character biography, detailing motivations provides context for actions and relationships, enriching the overall portrayal.
4. Motivation plays a crucial role in two-person scenes, as it shapes how characters interact with each other and respond to conflicts.
5. When auditioning for film and television, conveying a clear understanding of your character's motivation can set you apart from other actors and demonstrate your depth of preparation.

Review Questions

• How does understanding a character's motivation enhance an actor's performance?
  • Understanding a character's motivation allows actors to connect emotionally with their role, making their portrayal more authentic and relatable. By knowing what drives their character, actors can make informed choices about how to deliver lines, react to other characters, and navigate scenes. This depth of understanding leads to more compelling performances that resonate with audiences.
• Discuss how motivation influences the dynamics between characters in a two-person scene.
  • Motivation is crucial in defining how characters relate to one another in a two-person scene. Each character's objective can create tension or synergy, leading to conflict or collaboration. As characters pursue their individual goals, their motivations can clash or align, shaping the interaction and driving the narrative forward. This interplay makes scenes more engaging and dynamic.
• Evaluate the role of motivation in preparing for film and television auditions compared to stage performances.
  • In film and television auditions, clearly conveying a character's motivation is essential due to the medium's focus on subtlety and authenticity. Unlike stage performances, where broader expressions may be necessary, screen acting often requires nuanced portrayals that reveal internal motivations without overt displays. Understanding these motivations enables actors to connect more deeply with the material, making their performances stand out during auditions.

Related terms

Objective: An objective is a specific goal that a character wants to achieve in a scene, which fuels their motivation and informs their actions.

Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying thoughts and emotions that are not explicitly stated but influence a character's behavior and dialogue.

Conflict: Conflict arises when characters have opposing objectives or desires, creating tension that drives the narrative and reveals motivations.