What Defines A Monologue?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Monologue, in literature and drama,

an extended speech by one person

. The term has several closely related meanings. A dramatic monologue (q.v.) is any speech of some duration addressed by a character to a second person.

What makes a monologue a monologue?

What Is a Monologue? A monologue is a long speech by a single character in a theatre production or film. Monologues can either be addressing other characters in the scene, or

they can be one character talking to themselves or to the audience

.

What constitutes a monologue?

Monologue, in literature and drama,

an extended speech by one person

. The term has several closely related meanings. A dramatic monologue (q.v.) is any speech of some duration addressed by a character to a second person.

What features does a monologue have?

A dramatic monologue is a long speech by a single person. To say that the poem is a monologue means that these are the

words of one speaker with no dialogue coming from any other character

. … The reason poets choose to write poems like this is to express a point of view through the words of a character.

How do you identify a monologue?


When a conversation stops and shifts focus to a single character’s speech

, it is usually a sign of a monologue. In this situation, a group conversation between friends turns into one girl’s response; a monologue addressing bullying and the bully himself.

What is monologue in one word?

A monologue is a

speech delivered by one person

, or a long one-sided conversation that makes you want to pull your hair out from boredom. The Greek root word monologos translates to “speaking alone,” and that’s a monologue: one person doing all the talking.

What’s an example of a monologue?

A monologue involves one character speaking to another. A better example of a monologue is

Polonius’ speech to his son, Laertes, before Laertes goes to France

. Here, he gives advice for how Laertes should conduct himself overseas. “Yet here, Laertes!

What is a good monologue?

A great monologue is

an opportunity to give insight into a character or theme in a unique way

, a way that only a monologue could do. A great monologue is not just about the language used. It’s about timing and pacing within the rest of the script.

How do you end a monologue?

Here are a few ways to end a monologue:

Give your monologue a cohesive rounding. Link back to the beginning

. Round up by explaining your points again. Use short sentences for dramatic effect.

What are the two types of monologue?

There are two basic types of monologues in drama:

Exterior monologue

: This is where the actor speaks to another person who is not in the performance space or to the audience. Interior monologue: This is where the actor speaks as if to himself or herself.

What are the characteristics of a good monologue?

  • Brief. Monologue should be as brief as possible it is generally a brief speech of 2 minutes being presented by a single character.
  • Theme. …
  • Objective. …
  • Legal structure. …
  • Imagined situation.

What should you not do in a monologue?

  • Select a monologue that shows off your diverse acting skills.
  • Select an age appropriate monologue. Avoid using something that you used several years ago.
  • Know your audition time limits. …
  • Avoid a monologue that includes excessive swearing, violence, or sex.

What is the best monologue for an audition?

  • Dark Place.
  • String of False Starts.
  • Please Forgive Me…
  • Dark Side of My Moon.
  • Show On The Road.
  • Food On The Table.
  • Killing You.
  • Somewhere Better Than Here.

How do you start a monologue?

  1. Start by taking a part of your character’s past and creating a flashback scene from it.
  2. Transitions are very important. Be creative: Pause for a second and let something happen or do something such as putting a hood on or off.
  3. Next, you should be able to know what your monologue is about.

Is a monologue in first person?

Point of View. Although

monologues articulate only one character’s thoughts

, they can appear in texts that use any point of view. … Third-person works, in which the narrator calls characters by name, can include interior monologues from the narrator’s or another character’s perspective.

How long should a monologue be in words?

Is the monologue the right length? Most monologues should be

no longer than a minute and half

, or about 20 to 30 lines, unless you’ve been directed otherwise. Less is almost always more.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.