What Are Character Objectives? The Key to Better Acting and Scene Wor

Every scene you perform as an actor boils down to one simple question: What does your character want? That’s the foundation of character objectives. While super-objectives tackle the big picture, character objectives zero in on the here and now. They’re what make your performance specific, purposeful, and alive.

Whether you’re preparing for a play, a film, or an audition, understanding character objectives is the key to making each moment count. Let’s dive into what they are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively.

What Is a Character Objective?

A character objective is your character’s immediate goal in a specific scene or moment. It’s the thing they’re trying to achieve right now. Unlike a super-objective, which covers their long-term desire across the entire story, a character objective is short-term and tied to the specific circumstances of the scene.

Think of it like this: If the super-objective is the destination on your character’s journey, the character objective is the next step forward.

For example:

• In a heated argument, your character’s objective might be “to make the other person admit they’re wrong.”

• In a romantic scene, their objective might be “to win the other person’s trust.”

• In a job interview scene, it could be “to impress the interviewer and land the job.”

The character objective gives you a clear focus for your performance, so you’re not just delivering lines—you’re fighting for something.

Why Are Character Objectives Important?

1. They Give You Purpose

When you know what your character wants, every single thing you do becomes intentional. You’re not just saying words or moving through blocking—you’re going after a goal. This makes your performance feel grounded and real.

2. They Add Energy to Your Acting

Acting is action. Even in a quiet, emotional moment, your character is actively working toward something. Identifying a clear objective adds urgency and life to your performance.

3. They Reveal Layers

Objectives are rarely simple. A character might say one thing but want something entirely different. For instance, a character might say, “I don’t care,” while their true objective is “to get someone to notice how hurt they are.”

4. They Help You Handle Changes

Directors love to ask for adjustments: “Raise the stakes,” “Try it softer,” or “Play the subtext.” When you know your character’s objective, you can adapt while staying rooted in the scene’s purpose.

How to Identify a Character Objective

Finding the right objective takes a little detective work. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Ask: What Does My Character Want Right Now?

Start with the basics. What is your character trying to achieve in this exact moment? Are they trying to convince someone, get an answer, hide their feelings, or protect themselves?

2. Look for Clues in the Script

The text is full of hints! Pay attention to your character’s lines, what other characters say about them, and how they react to situations.

3. Consider the Stakes

Why does this objective matter? What’s at risk if your character doesn’t get what they want? High stakes make for stronger, more engaging performances.

4. Make It Active

Objectives should be actionable—something you can do to another character. Use strong verbs like “to convince,” “to protect,” “to seduce,” or “to expose.” Avoid vague objectives like “to be happy” or “to feel good.”

5. Think About Tactics

Your character’s tactics are the strategies they use to achieve their objective. For example, if their objective is “to gain sympathy,” they might plead, manipulate, or charm, depending on their personality and the circumstances.

Examples of Character Objectives

Let’s look at a few examples to see how objectives work in context:

• Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (Act II, Scene 2): Her objective might be “to reassure Romeo of her love.” She uses vulnerability and honesty to achieve it.

• Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (courtroom scene): Her objective might be “to prove her client’s innocence.” Her tactics range from charm to sharp logic and hard facts.

Each of these objectives is tied to a specific moment, giving the actor a clear focus for the scene.

Tips for Playing Objectives

1. Be Specific

“Get what I want” isn’t a strong objective. Dig deeper to find something concrete and actionable. Instead of “to be liked,” try “to win their approval.”

2. Play the Conflict

Objectives work best when they’re in direct conflict with someone else’s. If you’re trying to convince another character, they might be trying to resist you. This push-and-pull creates dynamic scenes.

3. Stay Flexible

Objectives can evolve during a scene. Maybe your character starts with “to impress,” but when that fails, it shifts to “to defend.” Let the scene guide you.

4. Bring the Stakes

Ask yourself: What happens if my character doesn’t achieve their objective? If the answer is “nothing,” raise the stakes. High stakes create urgency, which keeps your performance alive.

Character objectives are the heart of great acting. They’re what keep your performance focused, grounded, and full of energy. Every scene, no matter how small, becomes a battle for something your character wants.