You can write a monologue for the main character to give them a chance to speak on their own, or for a minor character to give them a chance to finally express themselves.
The monologue should add tension, conflict, or emotion to the rest of the play and give the audience new insight into an existing issue or problem. For example, if there’s a character who has been mute during the first act, they could have a monologue in the second act where they reveal why they are mute.
A monologue can address a specific character, especially if the speaker wants to express their emotions or feelings to them. The character can also express their thoughts or feelings about an event for the audience’s benefit.
Create an outline that includes a beginning, middle, and end for the monologue. Note what will occur in each stage of the monologue. For example, you may write: “Beginning: Elena the mute speaks. Middle: Elena tells us why and how she became mute. Ending: Elena realizes she prefers staying silent to saying her thoughts out loud. ” Alternatively, write the first and last lines of the monologue, then create the content between them to generate ideas and thoughts for the monologue.
The Duchess of Berwick’s monologue in Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan. [3] X Research source Jean’s monologue in August Strindberg’s Miss Julie. [4] X Research source Christy’s monologue in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World. [5] X Research source “My Princesa” monologue by Antonia Rodriguez.
You may start the monologue with a big revelation right away, such as Christy’s monologue in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World. [6] X Research source Christy’s monologue tells the audience right away that the speaker killed his father. It then discusses the events leading up to the murder and how the speaker feels about his actions.
For example, the “My Princesa” monologue is written from the perspective of a Latino father. He uses terms and sayings that are specific to him, such as “whoop his ass” and “Oh hell naw!” These make the monologue engaging and add character detail. Another example is The Duchess of Berwick’s monologue. Wilde uses the character’s casual, conversational tone to reveal the plot and keep the audience engaged. [7] X Research source
For example, in his monologue, Christy addresses his father’s murder by reflecting on past choices and moments that may have lead to his pivotal decision. [9] X Research source
For example, Jean’s monologue opens with striking images of his childhood, “I lived in a hovel provided by the state, with seven brothers and sisters and a pig; out on a barren stretch where nothing grew, not even a tree. . . ”[11] X Research source The details in the monologue help to paint a clear picture of Jean’s childhood hovel. They also add to his character and help the reader get a better sense of his past.
For example, in his monologue, Christy reveals that his father was not a very considerate person or a good father. He explains that he did the world a favor by killing his father. [13] X Research source
For example, in his monologue, Jean reveals that he tried to kill himself because he was born too low to be with Miss Julie. He then ends the monologue with a reflection on what he learned about his feelings for Miss Julie. [15] X Research source
Remove any redundant lines or awkward phrases. Cut out any words that do not add to the character’s voice or language. Include only the essential details in the monologue.
Note moments where the monologue is confusing or verbose. Simplify these areas so the monologue is easy to follow for the listener.
