Often what gets in the way of an otherwise great scene is a lack of compelling character goals. Without a goal in each scene, a story lacks two vital things: tension and momentum.
In this episode, we’ll explore why you need a goal in every scene, and 3 types of goals that urge characters through the plot.
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Episode at a glance:
[01:52] Goals are the lifeblood of every scene.
A scene as a unit of time, and action in your story, in which characters pursue goals. Your character enters each scene with an intention to do something, learn something or get something.
[04:34] Character Driven Goals
These goals arise from within your character and include desire for self-love and acceptance, self-actualization, admiration, or redemption.
[09:20] Goals Related To Others
The impetus here is another character. Your protagonist may want to find someone – a serial killer or lost child. They may want to be with someone romantically. The goals are driven by another character.
[11:31] Antagonist Driven Goals
These goals are a direct result from the antagonist’s actions or forces of nature. Goals are instigated by what an antagonist does. These are often easier to write because the goals are external. But they also trigger character-driven goals.
[15:32] Multiple Goals
Goals shift due to obstacles the antagonist or the character themselves create,. But they all lead towards the final outcome. Each scene is another piece of the puzzle that is your protagonist’s story problem or story question.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Splinters: Another Kind Of Love Story by Leslie Jamison
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Kiss: A Memoir by Kathryn Harrison
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood
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