What is an Actor’s Objective?

What is an Actor’s Objective?

In acting, every moment on stage or in front of the camera is driven by purpose. Whether it’s delivering a line, performing a gesture, or making a choice, an actor’s actions are motivated by what they want to achieve in a scene. This core concept is referred to as the “objective.” Understanding and defining an actor’s objective is fundamental to creating a compelling, believable performance. But what exactly does this mean, and why is it so important?

Defining an Actor’s Objective

An actor’s objective is simply what their character wants in a given scene or over the course of the entire play or film. It is the underlying motivation that drives their behavior and shapes their choices. Objectives can vary from scene to scene and from character to character, but they are always the “goal” that the actor’s character is striving to achieve.

The objective guides an actor’s actions, words, and emotions within a scene, ensuring that every part of the performance serves a purpose. Without a clear objective, the character’s behavior can feel aimless, and the performance can lose direction or depth. Therefore, the objective helps actors stay grounded in the story and stay connected to their character’s inner life.

Types of Objectives

1. Short-Term Objectives (Scene Objectives): These are the specific goals a character is trying to accomplish within a single scene. For example, a character may want to persuade another character to forgive them or convince someone to buy a product. These objectives are usually tied to the immediate action of the scene and provide the actor with a clear focus for their performance.
2. Long-Term Objectives (Super-Objectives): The super-objective is the overarching goal a character strives toward over the entire course of the play or film. It represents what the character ultimately desires or needs in the larger story. For example, a character’s super-objective might be to gain power, seek redemption, or fall in love. The super-objective shapes the character’s journey and serves as the guiding force behind all of their actions, regardless of the individual scenes.
3. Objective vs. Obstacle: Objectives are not always easy to achieve, and often, there are obstacles that stand in the character’s way. These obstacles—whether internal (fear, guilt, insecurities) or external (another character, a societal force, or a physical limitation)—create conflict and drive the action forward. An actor must fully understand both the objective and the obstacle, as overcoming or dealing with the obstacle is often a key part of their character’s journey.

The Importance of Objectives in Acting

Understanding and committing to an objective is critical for several reasons:

1. Clarity and Focus: Objectives give the actor clarity and focus in every scene. Instead of performing the lines or actions in a mechanical way, the actor is actively pursuing something. This focus on the objective makes the performance more dynamic and engaging.
2. Character Motivation: An actor’s objective helps them understand why their character behaves in a particular way. It provides insight into the character’s emotional state, desires, and priorities. With a clear objective, the actor can make informed choices that feel true to the character and the situation.
3. Creating Conflict and Tension: As characters pursue their objectives, they often encounter conflict—whether it’s external or internal. This conflict is what fuels dramatic tension and drives the plot forward. An actor must know what their character wants and what’s standing in their way to create compelling and high-stakes moments in the performance.
4. Engagement with Other Characters: An objective also influences how a character interacts with others. Actors don’t exist in isolation on stage or screen; they engage with other characters, each of whom has their own objectives. Understanding the objective allows an actor to be responsive and reactive, creating an organic dynamic with fellow performers that feels real and unpredictable.
5. Emotional Authenticity: Pursuing an objective allows the actor to connect emotionally with the material. Whether it’s a desperate plea, a quiet yearning, or a defiant stance, a clear objective gives the actor a reason to feel and express the character’s emotions truthfully. This emotional engagement is key to creating a performance that resonates with the audience.

How an Actor Defines Their Objective

Defining an objective begins with a careful analysis of the script and the character. Here’s how an actor might approach it:

1. Read the Script: First, an actor needs to understand the character and the story. What is the character’s journey? What do they want at the start, and how do they change over time?
2. Identify the Super-Objective: What is the character’s main goal in the overall story? This larger, long-term objective will guide the character’s actions and decisions.
3. Break Down the Scenes: For each scene, an actor should identify what their character wants in that specific moment. This is their scene objective, which may support the larger super-objective.
4. Analyze Obstacles: What is stopping the character from achieving their objective? Understanding the obstacles will allow the actor to play the tension between desire and resistance, making the performance more engaging.
5. Make Active Choices: The actor should then commit to making active choices based on the objective. These choices inform how the actor speaks, moves, and interacts with other characters to work toward their goal.

Conclusion

An actor’s objective is the heart of their performance, providing the motivation, direction, and emotional drive that shapes every action. Whether it’s a short-term objective for a single scene or a long-term super-objective that guides the entire play, objectives give the actor a clear purpose and the audience a reason to invest in the character’s journey.

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