An objective is a change a character is trying to bring about at a particular point in a scene. It gives the actor something to pursue. The Tasmanian Drama Foundations glossary describes it as a temporary desire or goal within a scene and also uses “intention.” TASC, Drama Foundations glossary.
One useful formulation focuses on another person: what do I want you to do? A BYU teaching lesson uses that relationship to turn an objective into a playable proposition. This is a practical formulation, not a requirement that every dramatic action involve another visible person. BYU Theatre Education Database, Formalizing Tactics and Objectives.
In rehearsal
Rehearsal example: “I want security” identifies a broad need. “I want you to give me the spare key before you leave” places that need in an immediate event. The scene can now contain refusals, negotiation, concealment, and changed attempts.
Keep the distinction between evidence and choice. If the script establishes that the character asks for a key, the request is a fact of the scene. The belief that the key represents reassurance may be an interpretation. Test that interpretation against the rest of the play and the rehearsal.
An objective is different from a tactic. The objective might stay the same while the character tries humor, a promise, or a threat. It also differs from a desired emotional display: “look desperate” directs the actor toward an appearance without specifying what the character is attempting.
Terms vary
Goal, intention, task, objective, and super-objective can overlap in particular teachers’ vocabularies. They are not automatically interchangeable in every text. Jean Benedetti’s translation of Stanislavski uses “Bits and tasks” as a chapter heading; a comparison should identify the translation and the passage involved. Routledge, An Actor’s Work.
Related entries
Obstacle, Tactic, Beat, Robert Cohen.
About this entry
This introduction compares selected teaching definitions. The publisher citation establishes a chapter title, not a complete comparison of Stanislavski translations.
