Final answer:
The word representing a character's overall goal or aim in a play is 'objective,' which guides their actions and is central to their narrative arc and the play's theme.
Step-by-step explanation:
The important word that refers to a character's overall goal, aim, or want for the entire play, indicating their journey or arc, is objective. The character's objective is deeply rooted in their intentions and desires, and it directs their actions throughout the story. This concept of objectives is part of the hierarchical structure described by Stanislavski, and it encompasses notions such as needs, intentions, and goals. A character's journey is shaped by the pursuit of their objective, from the beginning through the climax - the point of highest tension - to the resolution or conclusion of the play.
Understanding a character's objective is critical to both actors, who use it to guide their performances, and to the audience, who follow the narrative arc to its culmination. Additionally, the character's objective often interweaves with the overall theme of the play, which is the unifying idea or message that connects all elements of the story. Therefore, the objective is instrumental in creating a satisfying and coherent narrative that resonates with the audience long after the story ends.