Part of the joy of watching Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” is getting to witness Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) as she comes to realize her true purpose: doing everything in her (magical) power to free the animals of Oz from oppression. This super-objective not only informs the not-so-wicked witch’s actions and relationships, but it ultimately drives the narrative itself. For writers and actors, understanding a character’s super-objective is necessary to fleshing them out (even if that flesh isn’t always green). Let’s break down just what the super-objective is, why you should care, and how to excavate your character’s true desires.
A super-objective is simply what your character wants more than anything in the world. It’s their ultimate goal—the thing that drives every choice they make throughout the story.
Think of it like this: If your character’s life were a road trip, their super-objective is the destination. All the little pit stops to fill up the tank, detours for bathroom breaks, and roadblocks (or worse, traffic) along the way are your scene objectives. But the super-objective is the bigger picture. It’s what keeps them moving forward, even when things get tough.
The concept comes from Konstantin Stanislavsky, a guy whose name you’ll hear a lot in acting class. According to the Stanislavsky Technique, every character needs a clear, overarching goal to feel believable and consistent. Without it, your performance risks falling flat.
Super-objective vs. scene objective
Here’s a key distinction:
- A scene objective is what your character wants right now, meaning it can change from moment to moment.
- The super-objective is the bigger goal that connects every scene and action together.
Remember Simba in “The Lion King”? His super-objective is to reclaim his rightful place and restore balance to the Pride Lands. But in individual scenes, his objectives shift. Early on, he might want to impress his dad or prove himself to Nala; later, it’s about facing his fears. All of these smaller scene objectives build toward his “mighty king” super-objective.
Super-objective examples
Here are a few other famous super-objectives:
- Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” wants to prove herself worthy and grow on her own terms—all while remaining true to her fabulous self.
- Blanche DuBois in “A Streetcar Named Desire” hopes to find stability in a highly unstable world.
- Hamlet in “Hamlet” is driven by the desire to uncover the truth about his father’s murder and restore order to Denmark.
Remember that super-objectives aren’t plot summaries—they’re the driving forces behind what these characters do in every single scene.
Acting Tactics: How to Embody Your Character’s Objective and GoalsTo strengthen characters: Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions when performing a scene? Maybe you’re hitting your marks, saying the lines, and following directions, but something feels… off. Chances are, you haven’t fully tapped into your character’s super-objective. Without this, your character might come across as random or inconsistent. A clear super-objective gives you direction and helps you make natural, intentional choices in every scene.
To bring depth to performances: Knowing what your character really wants connects you to their emotions. Instead of just saying lines, you’ll understand the why behind everything they do. This can take your acting (or writing) from decent to unforgettable, because when you understand your character’s super-objective, you stop second-guessing your instincts. Every choice you make—such as how you deliver a line, where you direct your focus, and when you pause—suddenly has a purpose.
For example, let’s say your character’s super-objective is to find love and acceptance. In a scene where they’re arguing with a family member, you might decide to play their frustration as desperation rather than anger, because deep down, they’re fighting to feel seen and valued. That one shift in perspective can make your performance stand out.
To unify character journeys: Great characters have discernible story arcs, and the super-objective ensures that everything your character does ties into a larger journey. Without it, it’s easy to feel lost in long plays or film shoots, especially if your scenes feel disconnected. The super-objective acts like a thread that ties everything together. Even in the quiet moments, you’ll know what your character is working toward.
Imagine playing Jo March in “Little Women.” Her super-objective is something along the lines of creating a life of independence. Knowing this adds gravitas to the scene when her sister Amy burns her book manuscript. With the knowledge of Jo’s greatest goal, the burnt paper transforms into a devastating effigy of her attempt to free herself through writing.
To engage the audience: Audiences can tell when an actor is truly connected to their character. When you’re rooted in a super-objective, you’re not just saying the words—you’re fighting for something. Even if your character doesn’t get what they want, the struggle to achieve it is what keeps audiences hooked.
To ease the process: Auditions are often just one scene, which can feel disconnected from the larger story—but if you understand your character’s super-objective, you can play the scene with a sense of purpose that stands out.
Once you book the role, remember that theater and film sets are often chaotic and unpredictable. Maybe a scene partner misses a line, or the director wants a completely different take. If you know your character’s super-objective, you can adapt without losing the emotional truth of the moment.
Whether you’re prepping for a role, working on a new monologue, or writing the next binge-worthy TV show, here’s how to find each character’s super-objective:
1. Study other super-objectives.
Immerse yourself in your favorite scripts, plays, novels, TV shows, and films. Pick a character or two and consider their core needs, behaviors, relationships with other characters, overall journey, and ultimate resolution; somewhere in there lies their super-objective. Once you have an idea of their deepest desire, consider the writing and acting choices that go into the depiction of this goal. From there, it’s a small leap of faith to take that knowledge and apply it to your own characters!
2. Ask questions.
After going through the “5 Ws,” deepen your understanding by asking:
- What does my character want more than anything?
- Why do they want it?
- What’s stopping them from getting it?
3. Read between the lines.
Look for patterns in the script. What does your character keep talking about? Fighting for? Avoiding?
4. Think BIGGER!
Super-objectives are often tied to heady universal desires such as love, power, freedom, and acceptance. For example, Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” likely has a super-objective centered on protecting his family and legacy… no matter the cost. If it feels like your super-objective isn’t, well, super enough, try thinking bigger and then honing in from there.
5. Test it out.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your super-objective in different script drafts, table reads, or rehearsals. Play with different interpretations and see what feels right. Once you understand what your character really wants (and why), everything else will fall into place.
