GOTE Sheet
Goal- The character’s principal quest (also super objective). Characters also have
many secondary goals throughout the play. The goal must be very specific, so “I
want to find self-fulfillment” is out.
Other/Obstacle- Who does your character interact with? Who or what is an
obstacle?
Tactics- How will your character get what they want? It is a good idea to identify
strong verbs describing what your character wants. “I will intimidate, coerce, plead,
steal, perjure, etc. to get what I want.” These are strong tactics. Try to use as few
verbs as possible. The more verbs, the weaker the tactic.
Expectation- Whether your character actually achieves the goals in the script does
not matter. What makes characters interesting are that they expect to achieve their
goals.
These are also known as acting choices. No two actors will answer these questions
the same way. No two actors will play the character the same way.
The second page is a rudimentary analysis. These are the absolute basic questions
every actor must ask and answer about characters they play. It can be applied to an
entire play or to a scene or monologue (although in that case it would be best to also
apply it to the entire play so you understand context).
You may answer expressionistically or in lists, but answer vividly.
1. Basic information about the character
Name:
Sex:
Age:
Marital Status:
Educational Level:
Economic/Social Status:
2. Goal
What do I really want?
When do I want it?
3. Other
From whom (in the play) do I want it?
Who in the play can help me?
Who in the play can hurt me?
Who or what is an obstacle?
Why?
What are my deepest fears?
4. Tactics
How can I get it?
How (and whom) can I threaten?
How (and whom) can I induce?
5. Expectation
Why do I expect to get it?
Why does it excite me?
What will I do when I get it?