Have you ever listened to a character in a play or movie really think out loud? That’s often a monologue! It’s a powerful tool storytellers use to reveal a character’s inner world and drive the narrative forward. Let’s explore what a monologue is, how it works, and how to spot it in literature and performance.
What is a Monologue?
At its simplest, a monologue is a lengthy speech delivered by a single character. But it’s more than just talking! It’s a sustained turn of speaking—but crucially, it’s often directed towards other characters who remain silent, or it can be a character speaking their thoughts aloud to the audience. The word itself comes from “mono” (meaning one) and “logos” (meaning speech).
Monologue vs. Soliloquy
These terms are often confused. While both involve a character speaking at length, there’s a key difference. A soliloquy is a character speaking their thoughts alone, revealing their innermost feelings to the audience. Think of it as an internal dialogue made audible. A monologue, however, can be delivered to other characters, even if they don’t respond.
Here are some quick examples to illustrate:
- Monologue Example: “Honestly, I don’t understand why she did it. After all we’ve been through, she just left! It’s unbelievable.” (Spoken to another character who doesn’t respond).
- Soliloquy Example: “To be or not to be, that is the question…” (Hamlet speaking his private thoughts to the audience).
The Purpose of a Monologue
Monologues aren’t just for show. They serve several important functions:
- Character Development: Monologues reveal a character’s personality, motivations, and backstory.
- Plot Advancement: Important information can be revealed through a character’s speech.
- Theme Exploration: A monologue can highlight central themes and ideas of a work.
- Emotional Impact: A well-crafted monologue can evoke strong emotions in the audience.
Types of Monologues
Monologues aren’t a one-size-fits-all device. Here are a few common types:
Dramatic Monologue
This is perhaps the most common type. A dramatic monologue involves a single speaker, but it’s presented as part of a larger dramatic context. The speaker addresses a silent listener (or the audience) and reveals their character and situation through their speech.
Example: Imagine a character recounting a past betrayal to a friend who offers no verbal response. The entire scene focuses on the speaker’s feelings and recollections.
Internal Monologue
While closely related to soliloquies, internal monologues often happen within a character’s mind. It’s a stream of consciousness, revealing their thoughts and feelings directly to the reader. These aren’t always spoken aloud.
Example: “She smiled, but inside, a storm was brewing. Why did he say that? It was insensitive, thoughtless. She should have walked away.”
Narrative Monologue
A character tells a story, recounting events from their past. This can be a way to provide backstory or reveal important information about the plot.
Example: An old sailor recounting his adventures at sea to a group of listeners.
Monologue Examples in Literature and Performance
Let’s look at some more detailed examples to see how monologues work in practice.
Example 1: Shakespeare’s Hamlet – “To be or not to be…”
This is arguably the most famous soliloquy in English literature. Hamlet isn’t addressing anyone; he’s wrestling with the question of life and death. The speech reveals his deep despair, his fear of the unknown, and his contemplation of suicide. This soliloquy isn’t about what happens, but about what Hamlet is thinking.
Example 2: Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire – Blanche DuBois’ Monologues
Blanche frequently delivers long, rambling monologues that reveal her fragile mental state, her past traumas, and her desperate attempts to create a romanticized version of reality. Her monologues aren’t just about the events she describes; they’re about her distorted perception of those events.
Imagine a snippet of a monologue: “I wasn’t being deliberately cruel, you see. It was just that… I wanted to create a little atmosphere, a little… enchantment. People have to believe in something, don’t they? And if they can’t believe in anything real, then they have to believe in something… invented.”
Example 3: Modern Dramatic Monologue – A Scene from a Play
Setting: A hospital room. Character: A doctor speaking to a colleague, but mostly to himself
“It’s the helplessness that gets to me. Years of training, years of studying, and yet… I can’t fix everything. I see these families come in, full of hope, clinging to the idea that modern medicine can conquer anything. And sometimes it can. But sometimes… sometimes all I can offer is comfort. It’s not enough, is it? It never feels like enough. I keep replaying the procedure in my mind, wondering if I missed something, if there was another way. But there wasn’t. It’s just… gone. And they’re left with nothing but a hole in their lives.”
Notice how this monologue reveals not only the doctor’s professional frustration but also his deep empathy and sense of failure.
Writing Effective Monologues
If you’re a writer considering using monologues, here are a few tips:
- Give your character a clear objective: What do they want to achieve with this speech?
- Make it sound natural: Avoid overly formal or theatrical language.
- Reveal character through language: Use vocabulary, syntax, and rhythm to create a distinct voice.
- Show, don’t tell: Use vivid imagery and concrete details to bring the monologue to life.
- Consider the context: Where is the character? Who are they speaking to (or thinking to)?
The Power of the Single Voice
Monologues are a powerful literary device that can reveal character, advance plot, and explore complex themes. By understanding the different types of monologues and the techniques for writing them effectively, you can harness the power of the single voice to create compelling and unforgettable stories. They allow an audience a unique window into the interiority of a character, making them feel profoundly connected to the narrative.