The tendency to simplify scripts and plays into a narrative of one character’s victory over another often springs from a neoliberal perspective that emphasises individualism, competition, and personal triumph. This view promotes the idea that characters are primarily engaged in conflict to achieve dominance, aligning with broader societal narratives about success being a zero-sum game. While this approach can create tension and drama, it risks reducing complex human interactions to simplistic power struggles, overshadowing deeper themes of cooperation, vulnerability, or community.

Example Where This Approach Does not Work

A notable example where this approach does not fit the thematic content would be Sam Shepard’s play True West. The conflict between the two brothers, Austin and Lee, is central to the narrative, but it transcends mere individual victory. Their relationship explores themes of family dysfunction, identity, and the American dream, reflecting deeper existential concerns and psychological struggles. In such a context, characters are not merely vying for dominance; their interactions reveal layers of intimacy, resentment, and unresolved childhood issues. If actors approached this material with a strict mindset of “winning” the scene, it would undermine the subtleties of their relationship and the play’s overarching themes.

Arguments Against the ‘Winning’ Mindset

1. Character Depth and Nuance: Emphasising competition can flatten characters, reducing their complexities to mere opponents. Numerous stories explore the shades of grey within human relationships, where motivations are intertwined and outcomes cannot be labelled as victories or defeats.
2. Thematic Integrity Some narratives inherently deal with themes of collaboration, understanding, and emotional growth. For example, in plays like Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, the interaction of characters revolves around existential questions rather than a victory over each other. A focus on “winning” would detract from the play’s absurdist intent and philosophical exploration.
3. Shared Goals and interdependence: Many stories highlight the importance of interdependence and shared goals. In ensemble narratives or community-driven stories, the success of one character often relies on the contributions of others, challenging the notion of individual victory.
4. Audience Experience: An emphasis on conflict-driven ‘competition’ can lead to a superficial viewing experience. Audiences often seek deeper emotional connections and collective journeys that resonate beyond mere surface struggles.
5. Realism and Relatability: Human relationships rarely follow a linear pattern where one party wins at the expense of another. Life is filled with moments of support, loss, empathy, and understanding, fostering a more authentic portrayal when actors move away from a combative approach.

In summary, while the idea of one character’s victory over another can generate drama and engage audiences, it often oversimplifies the richness of human interaction, neglecting the intricate, multifaceted behaviours and relationships that define real life and art.