One of the most difficult things in life (perhaps the most), is trying to figure out what to do with it. To find some sort of reason behind it all. For some people, this might never be answered. Others turn to religion or something similar to tell them what to do. And some already have a reason.
They've found a Goal in Life.
It might be anything from just trying to have a good life to saving REALITY ITSELF! The one thing they all share though is a purpose to go through their lives to accomplish that goal.
The protagonist accomplishing it often constitutes the end of the story, usually in a Grand Finale.
Someone who forgets their Goal in Life has suffered Motive Decay. The Motivation Index has a few life long goals that a person's Goal in Life may be expressed through, although not all would qualify, especially if it's not specific enough or too short term. See the related Series Goal for the goal of the work in question, instead of an individual character's goal. Desperately Looking for a Purpose in Life is for those whose Goal in Life is to find a Goal in Life. The Meaning of Life is for when a work actually defines what the Goal in Life in general is.
Goal in Life has been suggested to play 2 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.