Mining the Want

When you’re analysing a scene in your script, you will want to know what is driving your character, what is compelling them in the scene, what they truly WANT.

You have discovered that your character has made a string of bad choices in the relationship and driven their lover away.

In the scene you must play, your character meets the lover. In the scene, your character tells the lover the mistakes that have been made. That is the most superficial level. They have a need to show the lover they acknowledge the mistakes.

That’s great, but it’s still too superficial. So ask ‘why does the character do that?’.

Because the character wants the lover to hear that they realise their mistake.

Okay, but why?

Because they’ve screwed up and wants to tell the lover.

Okay, but why do that? For what purpose?

Why does the character want to acknowledge their mistakes in front of the lover?

Yes.

Because my character wants the lover to know they realise the error.

Okay, but for what reason is that realisation important? Why does it drive them to this confession?

Because they don’t want the lover to leave.

Okay, but why?

Because they want to be with the lover.

Yes, they are confessing their guilt, acknowledging the mistakes in order that the lover gives them another chance!

All you need to do is dig down deep enough with the questions ‘why? And, for what reason?’ and you will find the real drive, the compelling WANT for the character hiding away under the surface.

Not rocket science, but you’d be amazed how many actors can’t see the wood for the trees.