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Studying long speeches and how they provide a window into a character's inner thoughts and feelings.
Have you ever been in a crowded room but felt like you were the only one who knew a massive secret? In drama, characters use special types of speeches to share those secrets with us—sometimes while others are listening, and sometimes when they are completely alone.
A monologue is a long speech delivered by one character to other characters on stage. Think of it as a 'verbal spotlight.' Even though only one person is talking, there are listeners present who can react to what is being said. The word comes from the Greek monos (one) and logos (word). In a monologue, the character usually has a specific goal: they want to persuade, command, or tell a story to the people around them. Because others are listening, the character might not be 100% honest—they might be trying to look brave or hide their fear.
1. A spaceship captain stands before her nervous crew. 2. She speaks for two minutes about the importance of their mission to Mars. 3. The crew members nod, whisper to each other, and look inspired. 4. Analysis: This is a monologue because the captain is speaking to an audience within the story to achieve a goal (boosting morale).
Quick Check
If a character gives a long wedding toast to a room full of guests, is it a monologue or a soliloquy?
Answer
It is a monologue because there are other characters present listening to the speech.
A soliloquy is a long speech where a character is alone on stage. The word comes from solus (alone) and loqui (to speak). Unlike a monologue, a soliloquy is like 'thinking out loud.' Because no other characters are there to judge them, the character is usually completely honest. This is where we see their internal conflict—the 'tug-of-war' between what they want and what they fear. If a monologue is a speech to a crowd, a soliloquy is a diary entry spoken to the stars.
1. A student sits alone in an empty classroom after school. 2. He holds a stolen answer key in his hand. 3. He speaks to the empty room about how much he needs an 'A' to please his parents, but how much he hates lying. 4. Analysis: This is a soliloquy. He is alone, and we learn his true motivation (pleasing parents) and his internal conflict (honesty vs. success).
Quick Check
What is the primary difference between a monologue and a soliloquy?
Answer
The presence of other characters. In a monologue, others are listening; in a soliloquy, the character is alone.
Why do playwrights use these speeches? They help us understand Motivation (the 'why' behind a character's actions). We can use a simple 'Drama Equation' to understand the tension:
In a soliloquy, the Obstacle is often the character's own conscience. By listening to these long speeches, the audience gains 'dramatic irony'—we know things the other characters on stage don't know. This creates suspense and makes us feel more connected to the character's journey.
1. Scene A: A character gives a monologue to the King, promising to protect the kingdom with his life. 2. Scene B: The same character is alone and gives a soliloquy about how he plans to steal the crown for himself. 3. Analysis: The monologue shows his 'public face,' while the soliloquy reveals his true motivation. The audience now knows he is a villain, but the King does not!
If a character is 'thinking out loud' while alone on stage, they are performing a:
What is the main purpose of a monologue?
A character can lie during a monologue, but they are almost always honest during a soliloquy.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the Greek roots 'monos' and 'solus' and how they help you define these two types of speeches.
Practice Activity
Watch a scene from a movie or play. When a character speaks for a long time, ask yourself: 'Are they alone?' and 'What is their hidden tug-of-war?'