Keyword Guide · character-analysis
Character objectives are the specific, driving goals each character pursues through every scene. In A Streetcar Named Desire, these goals clash to create the play’s central tension. This guide gives you actionable tools to identify and analyze these objectives for class, quizzes, and essays.
Each core character in A Streetcar Named Desire has a distinct, unshakable objective that shapes their dialogue and choices. Blanche DuBois fights to preserve her fragile sense of social standing and self-delusion. Stanley Kowalski aims to maintain his control over his home, wife, and social sphere. Stella Kowalski works to balance loyalty to her husband and her sister. List 2-3 specific actions each character takes to pursue these goals for your next class prep.
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Character objectives are the immediate, scene-specific goals that guide a character’s behavior, separate from their broader motivations. In A Streetcar Named Desire, these objectives shift slightly per interaction but tie back to each character’s core identity. For example, Blanche’s objective in her first scene with Stanley might be to charm him into accepting her presence, while Stanley’s is to size up her threat to his authority.
Next step: Go through the first two scenes of the play and write down one clear objective for each core character in each scene.
Action: Re-read 2-3 key scenes where character tensions run high
Output: A list of 1 objective per character per scene, written as a specific goal (e.g., 'Stanley wants to prove Blanche is lying about her past')
Action: Compare each character’s scene-specific objectives to their core, overarching motivation
Output: A 2-column chart linking immediate objectives to long-term motivations for each core character
Action: Practice explaining how objective clashes drive plot or theme
Output: A 3-sentence analysis of one major clash to use for class discussion or essay drafts
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Action: Read a single scene and ask, 'What does this character need to get or do right now?'
Output: A specific, action-oriented objective for each character in the scene (e.g., 'Blanche wants Mitch to see her as a delicate, desirable woman')
Action: Track how each character’s actions in the scene align with or deviate from that objective
Output: A 1-sentence note on whether the character succeeds, fails, or adjusts their objective mid-scene
Action: Connect the objective’s outcome to the play’s broader themes or plot progression
Output: A 2-sentence analysis that links the scene’s objective clash to a major theme like illusion and. reality
Teacher looks for: Clear, specific, scene-linked objectives for each core character, not vague or generic goals
How to meet it: Avoid broad statements like 'Stella wants to be loved' — instead write, 'Stella wants to calm Stanley down and avoid a public fight in front of Blanche'
Teacher looks for: Explanation of how conflicting objectives create dramatic tension and drive plot or theme
How to meet it: Cite specific interactions where one character’s goal blocks another’s, and explain the immediate and long-term consequences
Teacher looks for: Links between character objectives and the play’s central themes, such as illusion and. reality or social class conflict
How to meet it: Write a 1-sentence bridge that connects an objective clash to a theme, like 'Stanley’s objective to expose Blanche lies ties to the play’s critique of false social pretension'
Blanche DuBois’s objectives revolve around hiding her past and maintaining a fragile, romanticized self-image. She takes deliberate actions to control how others perceive her. Stanley Kowalski’s objectives center on asserting his dominance and protecting his territory, both physical and social. He sees any challenge to his authority as a direct threat. Stella Kowalski’s objectives focus on keeping stability in her home and balancing her loyalty to two conflicting people. Use this before class discussion to ground your comments in concrete character goals. List one new action each character takes to pursue their objective, then add it to your notes.
Every major scene in the play is driven by a clash of objectives. Blanche’s desire to be seen as a refined lady directly conflicts with Stanley’s desire to expose her as a fraud. Stella’s goal to keep peace clashes with both Blanche’s need for refuge and Stanley’s need for control. These clashes do not just create drama — they reveal the play’s core themes. Use this before essay drafts to identify your central analysis focus. Pick one pivotal clash and draft a 2-sentence explanation of how it drives the play’s plot and themes.
Character objectives are not static. Blanche’s objectives shift as her control over her image slips; she moves from charming others to begging for protection. Stanley’s objectives narrow as he becomes fixated on breaking Blanche’s facade. Stella’s objectives waver but always return to preserving her domestic stability. Track these shifts to show deep character understanding in exams. Create a 3-column chart listing each character’s objective at the start, middle, and end of the play.
Character objectives are not just character details — they are tools to explore the play’s themes. Blanche’s desperate quest to maintain her facade highlights the theme of illusion and. reality. Stanley’s need for dominance ties to the theme of primal masculinity and social class. Stella’s balancing act reveals the theme of dependence and sacrifice. Use this to strengthen essay thesis statements. Rewrite one of your core objective statements to explicitly link it to a major theme.
On literature exams, you may be asked to identify a character’s objective in a specific scene or explain how objectives drive conflict. Focus on specific, action-oriented goals alongside vague motivations. Practice linking every objective to a concrete action from the play. Memorize 2-3 key clashes to cite in short-answer responses. Use this before a quiz or exam to test your knowledge. Ask a peer to quiz you on character objectives for random scenes from the play.
The most common mistake is confusing motivation with objective. Motivation is why a character acts (Blanche fears being abandoned), while objective is what they are trying to do in a moment (Blanche flirts with Mitch to secure his commitment). Another mistake is ignoring minor character objectives, which can reveal hidden themes. Always tie your analysis back to specific actions, not general traits. Use this to self-review your essay drafts. Circle any vague statements in your work and rewrite them to be specific and action-oriented.
A character’s objective is the specific, immediate goal they are pursuing in a scene (e.g., 'Stanley wants to find Blanche’s hidden papers'). Their motivation is the underlying reason for that goal (e.g., 'Stanley wants to prove Blanche is lying about her past').
Yes, minor characters like Mitch have clear objectives that intersect with the main characters’ goals. For example, Mitch’s objective early on is to find a caring partner, which aligns with Blanche’s initial objective to find security.
Use character objectives to build an analysis of dramatic tension, theme, or character development. For example, you can argue that the clash between Blanche’s and Stanley’s objectives exposes the play’s critique of social class.
Yes, character objectives shift as the play’s events unfold. Blanche’s objectives, for example, become more desperate as her past is revealed and her control over her image slips.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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