Practice analyzing a script by identifying character objectives, interpreting stage directions, and connecting movement to meaning.
Read each problem carefully. Use evidence from the script excerpts to explain your answers. Show your thinking in the space provided.
Identifying character goals, tactics, and movement onstage
Drama - Grade 6-8
- 1
Read the excerpt: Maya: Please, Jordan, just look at the poster before you say no. Jordan: I already told you, I am not joining the debate team. Maya steps in front of the door and holds up the poster. What is Maya's likely objective in this moment?
- 2
Read the stage direction: Eli crosses downstage center and speaks directly to the audience. What does downstage center mean?
- 3
Read the excerpt: Nora: I am fine. Nora turns away and quickly wipes her eyes. What does the stage direction reveal that the dialogue does not?
- 4
In a script, what is the difference between a character's objective and a stage direction?
- 5
Read the excerpt: Sam: Give me the key. Riley: Not until you tell me the truth. Riley backs toward the desk and places the key in a drawer. What is Riley's objective?
- 6
Read the stage direction: The room grows quiet. Ava enters slowly, clutching a torn letter. What mood does this stage direction help create?
- 7
A director tells an actor, Your tactic is to flatter, but your objective is to get permission to leave. Explain the difference between the tactic and the objective in this instruction.
- 8
Read the excerpt: Leo: I was not scared. Leo laughs too loudly and grips the edge of the table. What acting choice would best support the stage direction and why?
- 9
Look at the stage areas. If a script says, Talia exits stage left, from whose point of view is stage left determined?
- 10
Read the excerpt: Principal: The contest begins in one hour. Laila: Then I need every paintbrush we have. Laila rushes to the supply closet. What is Laila's objective?
- 11
Rewrite this weak objective as a stronger playable objective: Marcus wants to be happy.
- 12
Read the stage direction: June sits at the far end of the bench, leaving a wide space between herself and Omar. What might this blocking suggest about their relationship in the scene?
- 13
Read the excerpt: Ben: We can still win if everyone listens to me. Cara rolls her eyes but nods. What conflict is suggested by Cara's stage direction?
- 14
A script says: The lights fade to blue as the siblings pack the last box. What information does this stage direction give to the production team?
- 15
Read the excerpt: Grandma: Take the map, but promise me you will not go alone. Mina takes the map and avoids Grandma's eyes. Identify Mina's possible objective and explain how the stage direction supports it.