Script Interpretation for Voice Actors: Why Knowing What Your Characters “Want” Changes Everythi

If you’ve been in a voice acting class or coaching session, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “What does your character want?” And while it may sound simple, this question is the key that unlocks every scene, every moment, and every authentic read.

Whether you’re voicing a commercial, animation, video game, or corporate narration, understanding your character’s “want”—their motivation—is not optional. It’s foundational.

Let’s break down why this one concept is a game-changer for voice actors at every level.

What Is a Character’s “Want”?

In acting terms, the “want” refers to what your character is trying to get, do, change, or accomplish in the scene. It’s their motivation. Their drive. Their purpose.

In a commercial, the character might want to convince the listener to buy something—but on a deeper level, maybe they want to help, impress, warn, charm, or reassure.

In an animation, your character might want to win a fight—but emotionally, they might want to protect their family, prove themselves, or overcome fear.

Knowing the “want” gives your read emotional clarity and narrative truth.

Why It Matters in Voice Acting

Unlike on-camera actors, voice actors don’t have their face, body language, or costume to help tell the story. All you have is your voice—and your interpretation of the script.

When you understand what your character wants, your voice naturally:

• Finds the right tone

• Shapes pacing and breath

• Connects with intention

• Elicits emotional authenticity
  

Without a clear “want,” your read can sound flat, generic, or forced—no matter how “technically” strong your voice is.

How to Identify the “Want”

Here are three questions to help you quickly find the character’s want in any script:

1. What is the character trying to achieve?
   Are they persuading, inspiring, comforting, confronting?
   

2. What is at stake?
   What happens if they fail? Understanding the stakes adds emotional depth.
   

3. What do they need from the other person or the audience?
   Voiceover is relational. Even if you’re alone in the booth, your character is never speaking into a void.

Example: Commercial vs. Animation

Commercial Script:
"Tired of losing sleep? Try our new herbal nighttime tea—calm, natural, and effective."

Want: To reassure the listener and gain their trust.
Motivation: Help them sleep. Earn credibility. Be a solution.

Animated Scene:
"I have to find the crystal before midnight, or the kingdom will fall!"

Want: I want the crystal because it will help me protect the kingdom.
Motivation: The character's goal isn’t just about the object—it’s about its meaning and impact. Their urgency comes from love for their people, a desire to lead, or a deep sense of duty.

The Takeaway

If you’re struggling to connect with a script, pause and ask yourself:
“What does this character want?”

Not just on the surface—but underneath. Their emotional truth. That’s where performance lives.

Mastering script interpretation through this lens will not only make your reads stronger—it will make your work more rewarding, more creative, and ultimately, more bookable.

Want to Get Better at This?

At the Voice Acting Institute, we teach a technique called The Fisher Method—a powerful way to connect with your scripts intuitively and emotionally, so you stop overthinking and start creating from a place of knowing.

Check out our upcoming workshops, 1-on-1 coaching, or our self-paced courses.

📧 Contact us to schedule your discovery call today.
🌐 Learn more atwww.voiceactinginstitute.com