When a Maori tribe surrounds another, a young Maori warrior who is mute rises up and earns a terrifying reputation until he meets an English female doctor who leads him down a path of love and self-discovery.

From the explanations given on the thread, it sounds like the doctor could be the main character. Personally, I find the warrior a far more interesting character and would like to see his story. The relationship angle, on its own, is a bit weak as it is internally experienced by the characters with very little visual action - holding hands, kissing and lovemaking is not action. By action, I mean an effort invested with the intention of achieving a goal.

So back to the question at hand, what is it the warrior wants more than anything?

I'd say he wants to protect his tribe, in order to do this he must defeat the enemy. How he defeats the enemy can be a visual representation of his inner journey - his arch. His new found love for the doctor made him receptive to her teachings (she's his mentor) it's her teachings that transforms him and makes him change his ways. Therefore I revert to my original suggestion, make him go from brute to diplomat. This gives you the ability to write an action that will be clearly visible on screen, such as; he's about to cut the enemy's head off, but instead of swinging the blade down on to the neck it hits the ground - the start of a new era for his and other tribes.

Hi Caleb,
I like the concept you're expressing here. It sounds to me, though, from your last comment, that perhaps the nurse is the main character who is telling the tale of their love.

Hi Caleb,
I like the concept you're expressing here. It sounds to me, though, from your last comment, that perhaps the nurse is the main character who is telling the tale of their love.