Directing: Focus & story

Rufus Norris (see earlier post) suggested focus or the craft of telling the story was important as a director.

As a writer this is true too and similar questions apply:

What does each character want or need?

What is happening in the scene that is essential in carrying the story forward? (If you can't find this then maybe the scene is not complete or unnecessary?)

What are the key moments in the scene when a character is faced with an obstacle? Must they make difficult choices?

When/how do characters change tactic to pursue their wants/needs?

Who, at any given moment do you want the audience to focus on?

I think these are often useful to bear in mind when revising a play for another draft.