Units and objectives are crucial concepts that help actors break down a script and understand their character's motivations and actions on a deeper level. These tools aid in creating a structured and dynamic performance.
Units
Units, sometimes referred to as "bits" or "beats," are divisions of the script into smaller, manageable segments. Each unit represents a distinct portion of the text where a specific action or interaction occurs. Breaking the script into units helps actors focus on smaller sections, making it easier to understand and execute the character’s intentions step by step.
Identification: Actors read through the script and identify changes in action, mood, or objective, marking where one unit ends and another begins. A new unit might begin with a new thought, a shift in the scene's dynamics, or a significant event.
Analysis: Within each unit, actors analyze what is happening, who is involved, and what the character is trying to achieve. This detailed examination allows for a more nuanced understanding of the character’s journey.
Objectives
Objectives are the goals or desires that drive a character's actions within each unit. They answer the question: "What does my character want?" Objectives are specific, actionable, and immediate, giving the actor a clear direction for their performance.
Super-Objective: The super-objective refers to the overarching goal that drives the character throughout the entire play. It’s the primary motivation that informs all other objectives. For example, Hamlet's super-objective might be to avenge his father's death.
Scene Objectives: These are the goals the character wants to achieve in a particular scene. They are more specific than the super-objective and relate directly to the interactions and conflicts within that scene.
Unit Objectives: Within each unit, the character has a particular objective. This objective is actionable and can be broken down into physical actions or tactics the character uses to achieve their goal.
Application
Breaking Down the Script: Actors read through the script, dividing it into units and identifying the objectives for each unit and scene. This structured approach helps them to understand their character's motivations and actions at every moment.
Active Verbs: Objectives should be expressed as active verbs (e.g., "to persuade," "to intimidate," "to comfort"), which guide the actor's physical and emotional performance. This helps the actor to focus on doing rather than feeling, which leads to more dynamic and engaging performances.
Consistency and Variation: Understanding units and objectives helps actors maintain consistency in their character's actions and motivations while also allowing for variation and growth as the character responds to different situations throughout the play.
By using units and objectives, actors can create a detailed map of their character’s journey, ensuring that each action and line delivery is purposeful and rooted in the character’s desires and intentions. This approach fosters a more immersive and authentic portrayal, aligning with Stanislavski’s emphasis on psychological realism and truth in performance