Tip #200: Character desire/goal

Given example:  Saving Private Ryan

The desire/goal of the story is not what the character wants in life/generally (to leave war behind and go home).  The desire/goal is the one that's specific to the story (saving Private Ryan).  When the character realises their desire, the story ends.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XgnOpZBuLE

This tip has been paraphrased.