Actor Questions / The craft

What is the difference between a superobjective and a scene objective?

The superobjective is the character’s deeper drive across the larger story. The scene objective is what they need to accomplish with this person now.

A character may pursue money across several episodes because money represents power, safety, freedom, or respect. That deeper movement is part of the superobjective. In one scene, however, the immediate objective might be, “I need my partner to give me the account password.”

The superobjective helps you understand the trajectory. The scene objective gives you something to do. Do not make the larger idea carry all the scene work. “I need power” may explain the character’s direction, but “I need you to admit I am in charge” gives the current interaction a result, resistance, and possible consequence.

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