Every great performance starts with a question: What does my character want? This seemingly simple inquiry lies at the heart of acting. Whether you're tackling an intense scene in a film, bringing a voiceover script to life, or standing center stage in a play, understanding your character’s objective is crucial. By identifying and pursuing these objectives, you’ll bring depth, authenticity, and magnetism to your performance—capturing your audience's attention like never before.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of uncovering and delivering character objectives in any scene.
Why Character Objectives Matter
Character objectives are the driving forces behind everything your character says and does. Objectives answer the why behind the what. Without them, your performance risks becoming mechanical, hollow, or unrelatable. Objectives allow you to connect emotionally with your character and help the audience invest in their journey.
For example, think of Viola Davis’s Oscar-winning performance in Fences. In one pivotal scene, her character’s objective is clear: she wants her husband to acknowledge the sacrifices she’s made. This driving force transforms her delivery into an unforgettable moment of raw power.
Step 1: Understand the Scene's Context
Before diving into objectives, familiarize yourself with the script. Ask yourself:
What is happening in this scene?
What happened immediately before this moment?
How does this scene affect what happens next?
Consider a romantic comedy in which your character discovers their partner’s betrayal. The immediate context (the discovery) might fuel their objective: confront the partner and demand an explanation. The context adds emotional stakes to the objective, making it resonate more strongly with the audience.
Step 2: Identify Your Character’s Objective
Your character’s objective is always rooted in what they want from another character or the situation. This desire could be emotional, physical, or psychological. Some examples include:
Seeking forgiveness
Winning an argument
Gaining trust
Escaping a threat
Pro Tip: Keep It Actionable
Frame objectives in terms of actions, not feelings. Instead of “feel sad,” think, “make the other character regret their actions.” Actionable objectives give you something concrete to play, making your performance dynamic and engaging.
Step 3: Break It Down with Tactics
Characters, like real people, don’t always get what they want on their first try. They use different tactics to achieve their objectives, often adjusting on the fly when something doesn’t work.
Example:
Objective: Convince a friend to keep a secret.
Tactics:
Plead with them.
Make a joke to lighten the mood.
Guilt them by reminding them of past favors.
By layering tactics, you create a richer, more nuanced performance. The audience will see the character’s determination and adaptability, drawing them deeper into the story.
Step 4: Dive Into Subtext
Subtext is the unspoken meaning behind the words. It often reveals a character’s true objective, even if it’s not explicitly stated in the script. Skilled actors play the subtext, adding depth to their performances.
Example:
Dialogue: “I’m fine, really.”
Subtext: “I’m not fine, but I don’t want you to push me.”
Objective: To push the other character away while hiding vulnerability.
Understanding and delivering subtext allows you to convey multiple layers of meaning, keeping your performance captivating and authentic.
Step 5: Ground Objectives in Authentic Choices
Your character’s objectives should align with who they are. A timid character may struggle to demand respect directly but could achieve the same goal through more subtle tactics. Always ask yourself:
What are my character’s strengths and weaknesses?
What personal experiences shape their behavior?
What’s at stake if they don’t achieve their objective?
When your choices are rooted in the character’s backstory, your performance will feel truthful and compelling.
Step 6: Practice with Improvisation
Improvisation is an excellent way to explore character objectives. Put yourself in your character’s shoes and act out their goal without the script. Focus on staying in the moment and reacting authentically.
Exercise: Objective Improv
Choose a simple objective like “get the other person to give you their seat.”
Experiment with different tactics to achieve your goal.
Notice how changing your approach shifts the dynamics of the scene.
Improvisation helps you connect emotionally to the character’s desires, giving your performance spontaneity and life.
Step 7: Collaborate with Your Scene Partner
Acting is a team sport. Work closely with your scene partner to create believable dynamics. Listen and respond truthfully to their choices. When both actors commit to their objectives, the scene gains a natural rhythm and intensity.
Example in Action:
In Marriage Story, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson deliver a heated argument that feels visceral and real. Both actors clearly pursue their objectives—Driver’s character wants to defend himself, while Johansson wants to express her pent-up frustrations. Their commitment to these objectives makes the scene electric.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Overcomplicating the Objective
Stick to one clear objective per scene. A scattered approach can dilute your performance.
Playing the Result
Don’t decide in advance how your character feels at the end of the scene. Stay open to what unfolds naturally.
Neglecting the Arc
Remember, objectives often evolve throughout the scene. Be prepared to adjust as your character encounters obstacles.
Final Thought: Objectives as the Engine of Storytelling
Understanding and playing character objectives is not just a technique; it’s the foundation of compelling storytelling. By fully committing to your character’s wants and needs, you’ll create performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
The next time you’re preparing for a scene, take the time to uncover what drives your character. Experiment with tactics, lean into subtext and stay grounded in the character’s truth. These steps will transform your performance, turning you into the actor everyone remembers long after the credits roll.
What’s Your Take?
Have you used objectives in your acting process? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. And if this guide helped, pass it along to a fellow actor or voice artist who’s ready to take their craft to the next level.
For more acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!
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