definition of a long speech by one person

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Definition of monologue

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Soliloquy vs. Monologue

Soliloquy and monologue cover very similar ground, but there are some important differences between the two words. Soliloquy (from the Latin solus “alone” and loqui “to speak”) at its most basic level refers to the act of talking to oneself, and more specifically denotes the solo utterance of an actor in a drama. It tends to be used of formal or literary expressions, such as Hamlet’s soliloquies . Monologue (from Greek monos "alone" and legein "to speak") may also refer to a dramatic scene in which an actor soliloquizes , but it has other meanings as well. To a stand-up comedian, monologue denotes a comic routine. To a bored listener, it signifies a long speech uttered by someone who has too much to say.

Examples of monologue in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'monologue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle French monologue , from mon- + -logue

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing monologue

• dramatic monologue
• interior monologue

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Cite this Entry

“Monologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monologue. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about monologue

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Definition of 'monologue'

monologue in British English

Monologue in american english, examples of 'monologue' in a sentence monologue, cobuild collocations monologue, trends of monologue.

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In other languages monologue

• American English : monologue / ˈmɒnəlɔg /
• Brazilian Portuguese : monólogo
• Chinese : 长篇大论
• European Spanish : monólogo
• French : monologue
• German : Monolog
• Italian : monologo
• Japanese : 長談義
• Korean : 일방적인 대화
• European Portuguese : monólogo
• Latin American Spanish : monólogo
• Thai : การเหมาพูดอยู่คนเดียว

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Related terms of monologue

• inner monologue
• dramatic monologue
• interior monologue
• internal monologue
• opening monologue
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[ mon - uh -lawg , -log ]

a comedian's monologue.

• a prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker, especially one dominating or monopolizing a conversation.
• any composition, as a poem, in which a single person speaks alone.
• a part of a drama in which a single actor speaks alone; soliloquy.

/ məˈnɒləɡɪst; mɒˈnɒlədʒɪ; ˈmɒnəˌlɒɡɪst; ˌmɒnəˈlɒdʒɪk; ˈmɒnəˌlɒɡ /

• a long speech made by one actor in a play, film, etc, esp when alone
• a dramatic piece for a single performer
• any long speech by one person, esp when interfering with conversation

Discover More

Derived forms.

• monologist , noun
• monology , noun
• monologic , adjective

Other Words From

• mon·o·log·ic [ mon-, uh, -, loj, -ik ] , mono·logi·cal adjective
• mon·o·log·ist [ mon, -, uh, -law-gist, -log-ist, m, uh, -, nol, -, uh, -jist ] , mon·o·logu·ist [ mon, -, uh, -law-gist, -log-ist ] , noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of monologue 1

Example Sentences

As a result, everyone gets frustrated, nothing feels equitable or productive, and the loudest voice ends up dominating, reducing the dialogue to their own monologue.

The inhabitants of a planet named Koppai have almost run out of food, the opening monologue tells us, due to “a booming population, a booming appetite and a basic lack of planning.”

Instead, Bufka recommends working on adjusting your inner monologue to something more patient and accepting.

Meditating or journaling, for example, can help you actively listen to that inner monologue and adjust the language you use to process what’s going on around you.

He alternates between bursts of inspiration and intense dissections of medical research or sci-fi movie plots in hard-to-follow monologues that many people find captivating.

We shake hands and he immediately begins a monologue about prison breaks and South America.

Gil took weeks to build a monologue, skillfully turning the words on their head.

In one particularly affecting monologue, AJ discusses his frustration and troubles upon returning to the US.

I never watch television," he says, then corrects himself: "Well, sometimes Carson's monologue.

Rivers continued on her political, authoritarian monologue by describing what kind of tyrant she would be.

Marie answered him whenever his monologue required answer, but she was unresponsive, uninterested—bored.

The first result was a shower of invitations to tea, occasions when Laura was easily led into monologue.

And this time, it was Wade who began talking in a monologue.

In this story we find the furrier engaged in a monologue, in which he tells of his delight in making the Rabbi's cap.

For the first time Bert displayed some interest in the conversation, or monologue, as one might more properly call it.

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Definition of monologue noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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• Scriptwriting

What is a Monologue — Definition, Examples & Types Explained

S ome of the most iconic lines in the history of literature and cinema have come from monologues. As a character spills their thoughts and emotions into a speech, they often create memorable lines that connect to characters and the audience. In this article, we’ll take a look at some iconic monologues and analyze what exactly a monologue is. We’ll also take a look at the three types of monologues with examples of each. Let’s dive in.

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What is a Monologue

First, let’s define monologue .

Screenwriting is a skill but writing dialogue is an art unto itself. What writer wouldn't want to indulge in a flowing and expansive speech? Well, as most writing teachers will tell you, this is an indulgence one should only partake in when necessary. A successful monologue, in other words, is a strategic one.

MONOLOGUE DEFINITION

What is a monologue.

A monologue is a long form speech delivered by a single character in a play or a film. The term monologue derives from the Greek words “ monos ” which translates to “alone” and “ logos ” which means “speech.” These speeches are used by writers to express a character’s thoughts, emotions, or ideas. Depending on what type of monologue is used, the character can be addressing themself, another character, or the audience. 

Types of Monologues:

What is a monologue used for, what is the purpose of a monologue.

A story is made up of bits of information that is communicated to the audience over time. When it comes to information regarding a character’s thoughts or emotions, a monologue is effective at efficiently communicating this info to the audience and/or to another character. 

A monologue is often the vocalization of a character’s thoughts giving insight that reveals details about a story’s plot or its characters. This character’s speech in and of itself can propel the story forward based on how other characters react to it and what events are caused by it. 

A great example of this can be found in the Good Will Hunting script . Will (Matt Damon) is resistant to any court mandated therapist. However, this monologue by Sean (Robin Williams) caused Will to finally be open to meeting further with him.

We brought the iconic monologue into StudioBinder's screenwriting software to analyze it further. Click the image below to read the entire scene. With writing this good, no wonder this script won the Oscar.

Good Will Hunting script  •   Read the entire scene

As you can see, this monologue does multiple things simultaneously for the film’s story. It reveals exposition about Sean. We learn he is a veteran, that he loved his wife deeply, and that he lost his wife to cancer.

At the same time, the monologue propels the plot forward by allowing Sean to finally break through to Will. 

Good monologues will either reveal character information or plot info. A great monologue will reveal both while moving the story forward all at the same time. Let’s take a look at the different types of monologues you can use in your own work. 

Related Posts

• What Does a Screenwriter Do? →
• Fundamental Ways to Write ‘Realistic’ Dialogue →
• FREE: Write and create professionally formatted screenplays →

What is a Monologue in Literature and Film?

Types of monologues.

It is important to understand the type of monologues and their unique properties. There are three different types of monologues that are all defined by who the monologue is delivered to. Who the monologue is delivered to also influences the content of the monologue. 

What is the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy? This is a great place to start. A soliloquy is a type of monologue in which a character delivers a long speech to themself rather than to another character or to the audience. In a way, a soliloquy is a character talking to themself trying to analyze their own thoughts, emotions, or predicament. 

One of the most famous excerpts from any play in history is in fact a soliloquy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet . In this iconic soliloquy, sometimes known as the to be or not to be monologue Hamlet ponders life and death and whether the hardships of life are too difficult to manage. 

To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.

For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,

Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,

The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,

The insolence of office, and the spurns

That patient merit of th'unworthy takes,

When he himself might his quietus make

With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,

But that the dread of something after death,

The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn

No traveller returns, puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have

Than fly to others that we know not of?

Thus conscience doth make cowards of us all,

And thus the native hue of resolution

Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,

And enterprises of great pith and moment

With this regard their currents turn awry

And lose the name of action.

From this monologue example, you can see that soliloquies are often the most genuine and honest because a character is talking to themself and has no reason to lie. So the reliability behind the monologue is not questioned by the audience. 

Dramatic monologue

A monologue that is delivered by a character to another character or to the audience is defined as a dramatic dialogue. Dramatic dialogues are long in length and often unbroken by the speech of other characters. 

These are the most common monologues found in film since characters deliver monologues mainly to other characters. While dramatic monologues in both film and plays are commonly delivered to other characters, they can also be delivered directly to the audience if the fourth wall is broken . 

One of the best movie monologues from Call Me By Your Name is a showstopper. Delivered by a pitch-perfect Michael Stuhlbarg, this speech has everything you’d want in a monologue. It feels natural yet important, and it is informed both by the reactions of Elio and Mr. Perlman’s own internal struggles. Give it a watch:

Call Me By Your Name  •  a monologue from a movie

Internal monologue.

An internal monologue is a type of monologue in which a character’s thoughts are expressed but not vocalized in the world of the story. In literature, this is often expressed in italicized paragraphs to indicate that the words are not spoken out loud. In a play, this can be delivered as an aside. In film, an internal monologue is delivered through voice over as a way for the audience to witness the thoughts of a character. 

This brilliant internal monologue from one of Charlie Kaufman’s best films Adaptation gives us insight into what the character is thinking. This is then immediately and ironically ridiculed by the speaker in the scene. 

McKee monologue

And here's the scene from the script. A bit of screenwriting about how to be a great screenwriter!

Adaptation Monologue Example  •   Read Full Scene

Like the irony underscores in the scene, internal monologues and voice over can be dangerous and ineffective when used as a crutch. But when used cleverly as it is in this example by Charlie Kaufman, it can elevate the creativity of a film and how it connects to an audience.

How to Write ‘Realistic’ Dialogue

Monologues in film are most commonly delivered within a larger dialogue scene. A part of creating a memorable monologue is by writing great dialogue that frames it. In our next article, we lay out some fundamental tips to writing realistic, compelling dialogue. 

Up Next: Writing ‘Realistic’ Dialogue →

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• When & How to Use a Monologue

I. What is a Monologue?

A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a story. In drama, it is the vocalization of a character’s thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater—a speech to be given on stage—but nowadays, its use extends to film and television.

II. Example of a Monologue

A monologue speaks at people, not with people. Many plays and shows involving performers begin with a single character giving a monologue to the audience before the plot or action begins. For example, envision a ringleader at a circus…

Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls!

Tonight, your faces will glow with wonder

As you witness some of the greatest acts ever seen in the ring!

Beauties and beasts, giants and men, dancers and daredevils

Will perform before your very eyes

Some of the most bold and wondrous stunts

You’ve yet beheld!

Watch, now,

As they face fire and water,

Depths and heights,

Danger and fear…

The ringleader’s speech is directed to the audience. His monologue helps him build anticipation and excitement in his viewers while he foreshadows some of the thrills the performance will contain.

A monologue doesn’t have to be at the start or end of a play, show, or movie—on the contrary, they occur all of the time. Imagine a TV series about a group of young friends, and on this episode, one friend has been being a bully. The group is telling jokes about some of the things the bully has done to other kids at school, when one girl interrupts everyone…

You know, I don’t think what you are doing is funny. In fact, I think it is sad. You think you’re cool because you grew faster than some people, and now you can beat them up? What is cool about hurting people? We are all here pretending that you’re a leader, when really, I know that you’re nothing but a mean bully! All this time I’ve been scared to say that, but just now, I realized that I’m not afraid of bullies—so, I won’t be afraid of you!

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.

III. Types of Monologues

A. soliloquy.

A speech that a character gives to himself—as if no one else is listening — which voices his inner thoughts aloud. Basically, a soliloquy captures a character talking to himself at length out loud . Of course, the audience (and sometimes other characters) can hear the speech, but the person talking to himself is unaware of others listening. For example, in comedy, oftentimes a character is pictured giving themselves a lengthy, uplifting speech in the mirror…while a friend is secretly watching them and laughing. The soliloquy is one of the most fundamental dramatic devices used by Shakespeare in his dramas .  

B. Dramatic Monologue

A speech that is given directly to the audience or another character. It can be formal or informal, funny or serious; but it is almost always significant in both length and purpose. For example, a scene that captures a president’s speech to a crowd exhibits a dramatic monologue that is both lengthy and important to the story’s plotline. In fact, in TV, theater ,and film, all speeches given by a single character—to an audience, the audience, or even just one character—are dramatic monologues .

C. Internal Monologue

The expression of a character’s thoughts so that the audience can witness (or read, in literature) what is going on inside that character’s mind. It is sometimes (depending on the style in) referred to as “stream-of-consciousness.” In a piece of writing, internal monologues can often be easily identified by italicized blocks of text that express a character’s inner thoughts. On TV and in films, internal monologues are usually spoken in the character’s voice, but without seeing him actually speak; thus giving the feeling of being able to hear his thoughts .

IV. Importance of Monologues

Monologues give the audience and other characters access to what a particular character is thinking, either through a speech or the vocalization of their thoughts. While the purpose of a speech is obvious, the latter is particularly useful for characterization : it aids the audience in developing an idea about what the character is really thinking, which in turn helps (or can later help) explain their previous (or future) actions and behavior.

V. Examples of Monologue in Literature

As a technique principally used on the stage (or screen), the best examples of monologues in literature are found in dramatic literature, most notably in Shakespeare’s dramas. Below is selection of arguably the most famous monologue in literature— soliloquy , specifically—from Act III Scene I of the tragedy Hamlet . This soliloquy begins with the well-known words “To be, or not to be- that is the question:”

HAMLET To be, or not to be- that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them. To die- to sleep- No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to. ‘Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish’d. To die- to sleep. To sleep- perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub! For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. There’s the respect That makes calamity of so long life.

This scene reveals to the audience that Hamlet is contemplating suicide. His words express an internal thought process that we would normally not be able to witness. The only reason that Shakespeare has Hamlet speak these words out loud is so that the audience—not anyone else in the play—can hear them. He uses a soliloquy to share Hamlet’s unstable state of mind and disquieting thoughts.

In Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” the narrator is sent to find a man named Simon Wheeler, who will tell him a story. After the narrator introduces the premise, he explains that he let Wheeler “go on in his own way, and never interrupted him once.” He follows with Wheeler’s story, told in Wheeler’s voice, which he achieves through the shift in the style of speech. Below is a small piece of the story:

There was a feller here once by the name of  Jim  Smiley, in the winter of ’49—or may be it was the spring of ’50—I don’t recollect exactly, somehow, though what makes me think it was one or the other is because I remember the big flume wasn’t finished when he first came to the camp; but any way he was the curiosest man about always betting on any thing that turned up you ever see, if he could get anybody to bet on the other side; and if he couldn’t, he’d change sides. Any way that suited the other man would suit him—any way just so’s he got a bet,  he  was satisfied. But still he was lucky, uncommon lucky; he most always come out winner.

Mark Twain was a literary genius when it came to storytelling—he could make the page seem like a stage with the way he used spelling and grammar to bring a character’s accent and personality to life. Wheeler’s story is a dramatic monologue , which Twain used to achieve the feeling of a real storytelling exchange between two people. His employment of this dramatic technique in this short story makes the readers feel like they are hearing Wheeler’s story firsthand.

VI. Examples of Monologue in Pop Culture

Oftentimes, a conversation occurs between characters and then shifts to one character giving a significant speech. This is a popular way of inserting a monologue into a scene. In this scene from Season 5 Episode 10 of the TV horror The Walking Dead , the group is talking around the campfire:

Every day he woke up and told himself, ‘Rest in peace; now get up and go to war,’” says Rick. “After a few years of pretending he was dead, he made it out alive. That’s the trick of it, I think. We do what we need to do, and then we get to live. No matter what we find in D.C., I know we’ll be okay. This is how we survive: We tell ourselves that we are the walking dead. -Rick Grimes

Here, Rick’s monologue begins when the dialogue ceases to be a group discussion. Now he alone is speaking to the group—he is giving a dramatic monologue .

In one of the most popular Christmas movies to date, A Christmas Story , the protagonist Ralphie is also the narrator. However, the narration is internal: Ralphie isn’t speaking directly to us, but he is openly letting us in on his thoughts.

As you’ve now heard in this clip, Ralphie’s voice is that of an adult man, and that’s why the narration style in this film is unique—adult Ralphie is simultaneously reflecting on the past and reenacting present-Ralphie’s thoughts. The mental debate he has about who taught him the curse word and what to tell his mother is an internal monologue : we can hear his thoughts; thus the situation is funnier and more thought provoking.

VIII. Related Terms

An aside is when a character briefly pauses to speak directly to the audience, but no other characters are aware of it. It is very similar to a monologue; however, the primary difference between the two is that an aside is very short ; it can be just one word, or a couple of sentences, but it is always brief—monologues are substantial in length. Furthermore, an aside is always said directly to the audience, usually accomplished (in film and television) by looking directly into the camera. As an example, asides are a key part of the style of the Netflix series House of Cards ; the main character Francis Underwood often looks directly into the camera and openly addresses the audience as if they are present, while the other characters do not know that the audience exists.

While a monologue is a given by one character (“mono”=single), a dialogue is a conversation that occurs between two or more characters. Monologues and dialogues are similar in that they both deliver language to the audience. For instance, in a movie, a race winner’s speech is a monologue, however, a speech collectively given by several members of a team is dialogue. Both techniques can address the audience, but the difference lies in how many people are speaking.

In conclusion, monologues (and dialogues) are arguably the most fundamental parts of onstage drama and dramatic literature. Without them, essentially only silent film and theater could exist, as monologues provide the only way for the audience to witness a character’s thoughts.

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Understanding Monologues: Definition, Types and Examples

What is a monologue, why monologues matter, types of monologues, how to write a monologue, monologue examples.

In the world of theater, movies, and literature, the monologue has a unique place. It's like a window into a character's soul, showing us their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. By the end of this blog, you'll have a clear understanding of what a monologue is, why it's used, its different types, and even how to write one yourself. We'll also look at some examples that perfectly illustrate the power and beauty of a well-crafted monologue. Let's start by exploring the definition of a monologue. Ready? Let's dive in!

At its most basic, a monologue is a long speech delivered by a single character in a play, movie, or TV show. It can also be a long-winded speech by one person during a conversation. But there's more to it than that. Let's break it down a bit.

Monologue in Theater and Film

In theater and film, a monologue gives a character the stage—literally. It's their moment to express their thoughts or feelings, often revealing important insights about their character. Here, the audience is privy to the character's deepest thoughts, which they might not otherwise express. For instance, think of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" soliloquy. It's one of the most famous examples of a monologue that offers a peek into the character's mind.

Monologue in Conversation

Now, when it comes to conversation, the monologue takes on a different shade. Have you ever been in a situation where someone just doesn't stop talking? That's a monologue too, albeit a less dramatic one. This type of monologue isn't scripted like in a play or movie, but it can still reveal a lot about the speaker. For example, their interests, their perspective on a topic, or even their tendency to dominate a conversation!

Monologue as a Literary Device

Lastly, let's not forget the monologue's role as a literary device. Authors use it to develop characters, advance the plot, or even create suspense or drama. It's a powerful tool when used right. Take J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye", where the protagonist Holden Caulfield's monologues reveal his inner turmoil and teenage angst.

So, the definition of a monologue can vary depending on the context. But at its core, it's all about one person taking center stage and expressing their thoughts or feelings in their own words. That's the magic of a monologue.

Now that we've explored the definition of a monologue, let's delve into why they're so important. Monologues matter, and for good reason. Whether in a play, film, or everyday conversation, they serve a number of purposes.

Monologues Reveal Character

A well-crafted monologue can tell you a lot about the character delivering it. It reveals their inner world—their thoughts, feelings, desires, fears, and more. It's like a mirror that reflects the character's soul. In other words, monologues help in character development. For instance, Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking monologue in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" gives us a glimpse into her guilt-ridden mind.

Monologues Advance the Plot

Ever noticed how a single monologue can dramatically shift the course of the story? That's because monologues can also serve to advance the plot. They can introduce a new conflict, resolve an existing one, or simply push the story forward. In the film "The Dark Knight", The Joker's monologue about chaos sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.

Monologues Engage the Audience

Monologues have a way of grabbing the audience's attention. A powerful monologue can make the audience sit up and take notice. It can evoke emotions, provoke thought, or even incite action. It's a direct line of communication between the character and the audience. It's no surprise that some of the most memorable moments in theater and cinema come from monologues.

So there you have it. Monologues are more than just long speeches. They play a crucial role in character development, plot progression, and audience engagement. Without them, storytelling would lack depth and dynamism. That's why monologues matter.

Alright, now that we've covered the importance of monologues, let's dive into the different types. Just as there are different genres of books and movies, there are also different types of monologues. Let's take a look at the two main types.

Interior Monologue

Have you ever had a conversation with yourself in your head? That's precisely what an interior monologue is. It's a type of monologue where the character expresses their inner thoughts and feelings. It's like a window into their mind. Think of Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy. That's an example of an interior monologue.

Dramatic Monologue

On the other hand, a dramatic monologue is a speech delivered by a character to another character or to the audience. In this type of monologue, the speaker reveals details about themselves or the situation, often without realizing it. A classic example is Mark Antony's speech in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". He manages to turn the Roman citizens against the conspirators without directly criticizing them. That's the power of a dramatic monologue.

So, whether it's an interior monologue or a dramatic one, each type has a unique way of adding depth to the character and advancing the story. Understanding these types can help you appreciate the art of monologue even more.

Okay, so we've covered the definition of monologue and the different types, but you might be wondering, "how do I craft a compelling monologue?". No worries, let's break it down into manageable steps.

Know Your Character

The first and foremost step is to thoroughly understand your character. Without a deep understanding of their personality, motivations, and struggles, the monologue will feel flat. So, take time to flesh out your character. What are their dreams? What are their fears? How do they think and speak? Knowing these details will help you to write a monologue that feels genuine to the character.

Define the Purpose

Next, you need to understand why the monologue is needed in your story. Is it to reveal a shocking secret, express a strong emotion, or provide a backstory? The purpose of the monologue will shape its content and tone. So, before you start writing, make sure to define the purpose.

Write, Revise, and Refine

Finally, the most important step: write! Don't worry about getting it perfect the first time. Just get your thoughts down, and then revise and refine. Play around with sentence structure. Use vivid language to engage the audience. Remember, a great monologue is not just about what is being said, but how it's being said.

Writing a monologue can be a fun and rewarding process. With practice, you'll get better at it. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pen or keyboard and start crafting your monologue!

Now that we've walked through the "how-tos" of monologue writing, let's dive into the realm of examples. These will illustrate how the definition of monologue plays out in real-world scenarios.

Shakespeare's Macbeth

Considered the master of monologues, William Shakespeare offers us an ideal starting point. Macbeth's "Is this a dagger which I see before me" monologue is a classic. Here, Macbeth hallucinates a dagger pointing him towards King Duncan, whom he's plotting to kill. This monologue showcases Macbeth's internal struggle and foreshadows the tragic events to follow.

The Breakfast Club

Shifting gears to the silver screen, "The Breakfast Club," a popular 80s film, gives us a memorable monologue from the character Brian. As he voices the collective thoughts of the group in a letter to the principal, Brian defies the stereotypes they've been labeled with. This monologue underscores the movie's theme about the complexities of teenage identity.

Neil Gaiman's The Sandman

Even graphic novels can offer fantastic monologues. In Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman," the character Dream delivers a powerful monologue about the nature of dreams and reality. This not only highlights Dream's character but also the metaphorical depth of the novel.

These examples show how diverse and versatile monologues can be. Whether you're writing a play, a novel, or a screenplay, a well-crafted monologue can add depth to your characters and richness to your story. So go on, give it a try. Who knows, you might just pen the next unforgettable monologue!

If you enjoyed this blog post on understanding monologues and want to learn more about scriptwriting, we highly recommend checking out Jessy Moussallem's workshop, ' Scriptwriting .' This workshop will provide you with the tools and techniques you need to create engaging and powerful monologues, as well as other aspects of scriptwriting.

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Monologue vs. Soliloquy – What’s the Difference?

Home » Monologue vs. Soliloquy – What’s the Difference?

Theater geeks are an insular bunch, obsessed with the minutiae of stagecraft and drama. Even some of these sages of the stage cannot remember the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy, though.

If you are an actor, as long as you can remember your lines, it probably doesn’t matter to you whether your speech is a monologue or a soliloquy. If you are writing a book report on a Shakespearean tragedy for your AP English Literature class, though, you had better know whether Romeo’s speech to Juliet is a monologue or a soliloquy.

What is the Difference Between Monologue and Soliloquy?

In this post, I will compare soliloquy vs. monologue . I will use each of these words in at least one example sentence, so you can see them in their proper context.

Plus, I will show you a useful mnemonic that will help you identify whether a speech is a soliloquy or monologue .

When to Use Monologue

In the world of theatre, a monologue is typically a long speech delivered by a character while other characters are onstage.

For example,

• “I am having trouble memorizing the monologue in scene three,” said Javier.
• An action movie convention is for the villain to deliver a cocky monologue during an extended fight scene during which the main hero’s life is in grave danger.
• Well, Fallon tried to bring the pain on Sunday night during his Golden Globes monologue (which began with a bit of a disaster — Fallon confessed the teleprompter was broken). – The Washington Post

The prefix mono- typically refers to one of something. In a monologue, one speaker delivers many lines. A monocle is a corrective lens for one eye. Carbon monoxide is a molecule with only one oxygen atom. You get the picture.

When to Use Soliloquy

The famous “to be, or not to be” speech in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, possibly the most well-known soliloquy of all time, is delivered by Hamlet while speaking to a human skull with no other characters present.

Sometimes, a soliloquy is one character speaking his thoughts aloud. Typically, the audience understands that the speech is a theatrical device for making a character’s thoughts known, and not words actually spoken out loud by that character.

Anyway, here are a few example sentences,

• Shakespeare’s soliloquys are examples of the best Elizabethan theatrical writing in existence.
• A soliloquy is difficult because no one else is on stage to help you remember your lines.
• The formulation of the apparent confession was problematic in its own right. It was suggestive, but by no means definitive. In a column on Bloomberg View, the Harvard Law professor Noah Feldman compared it to a Shakespearean soliloquy. – The New York Times

Trick to Remember the Difference

Dialogue means a conversation between two people , so remembering that a monologue is an extended speech by one person to someone else should not be difficult.

Another good way to remember soliloquy vs. monologue is that a soliloquy is a conversation that a character has with his or her own’s self , without anyone else present. Self and soliloquy both start with the letter “ S .”

Is it monologue or soliloquy? Monologues and soliloquys are two types of long speeches that occur in plays.

• A monologue is a long speech delivered to other characters.
• A soliloquy is a long speech where a character talks to himself/herself or voices his/her thoughts aloud for the benefit of the audience.

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Mon•o•logue, or mon•o•log.

• actor's line
• Adeline Virginia Stephen Woolf
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What is Monologue? Definition, Usage, and Literary Examples

Monologue definition.

A  monologue  (MAHN-oh-log) is a speech articulated aloud by a single character, frequently to express their thoughts and feelings, but sometimes directed at a specific other character or to the audience. Monologues are most common in  theatrical  scripts, but they also can be found in  poetry  and  prose .

The word derives from the French  monologue,  which came from the Greek  monos,  meaning “single, alone,” and  logos,  meaning “speech, word.”  Monologue  first appeared in English in the 1660s and meant a “long speech by one person, scene in a drama in which a person speaks by himself.

Monologues’ Significance in Dramatic Media

The monologue has a looming presence in dramatic media. In early Greek drama, there was little dialogue—in fact, generally only one character appeared on stage at a time, accompanied by a chorus. As such, during these early plays, the monologue was the primary mode of theater. Even as theater began to incorporate dialogue between multiple characters interacting on stage at once, the monologue remained omnipresent.

Because the form allows characters to articulate their inner thoughts and feelings, monologues are important to dramatic works. They add depth,  context , and tension to a  narrative ; heighten  characterization  or  conflict ; and keep audiences interested. Today, monologues appear in theater, film, radio plays, podcast dramas, and television shows.

Monologue and Other Speeches in Dramatic Media

There are several theatrical deliveries a single character can give, like a monologue, but they are not interchangeable.

An apostrophe occurs when a character, while speaking to someone else, stops to address a third party. This person may or may not be present or may be an inanimate object or a concept (such as love or fate).

Asides  are delivered directly to the audience without any other characters overhearing what is said. These tend to be short observations, rather than longer meditations like soliloquys or monologues.

Unlike a monologue, in a soliloquy, the speaker is expressing their thoughts aloud to themselves only. Monologues are generally expressed by one character to other characters on stage or to the audience; in the latter case, the monologues are often overheard by other characters.

Monologue and Poetry

Although readers may primarily associate monologues with  theater  and  prose , the monologue plays a vibrant role in  poetry .

In  dramatic monologues , a character speaks without interruption. This monologue reveals unexpected information about the speaker to an implied or explicit audience, often not intended to be the reader. These poetic monologues are also referred to as persona poems. Usually, the speaker is a person, but they can also be an animal, object, place, or abstract concept (such as love or freedom).

Monologue and Prose

In both fiction and nonfiction, authors use monologues to allow characters to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Prose monologues can be spoken to other characters, or they can be interior monologues where the readers observe the character’s thoughts and feelings as they experience them. With the latter, authors tend to utilize stream of consciousness, which is a form of narration that describes the flow of thoughts through a character’s brain. This often involves a more experimental approach to grammar, including the use of  sentence  fragments and run-on sentences, which is meant to convey a more accurate depiction of the way people’s interior thoughts unfold.

Non-Literary Monologues

Monologues are common outside the world of literature, particularly in the political realm. Speeches made by politicians and political activists are monologues meant to serve specific functions, such as persuade listeners to adopt the speaker’s policies, inspire change or action, eulogize a dead or departing leader, or ease political transitions. Some examples of political monologues include:

• Winston Churchill’s “ We Shall Fight on the Beaches ” speech given on June 4, 1940
• President John F. Kennedy’s  inaugural address  in 1961
• Martin Luther King’s “ I Have a Dream ” speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington
• President Barack Obama’s  inaugural address  in 2009
• Sojourner Truth’s “ Ain’t I a Woman ” speech given at the 1851 Women’s Convention

Examples of Monologues in Literature

1. Ai, “ The Kid ”

Ai’s poem begins with her speaker describing a scene at his childhood farm:

My sister rubs the doll’s face in mud,

then climbs through the truck window.

She ignores me as I walk around it,

Hitting the flat tires with an iron rod.

The old man yells for me to help hitch the team,

But I keep walking around the truck, hitting harder,

Until my mother calls.

The narrator depicts a fairly mundane moment; however, by the poem’s conclusion, the speaker describes and confesses to murdering his family in cold blood. This is an excellent example of a dramatic monologue where the poet has created a speaker who tells the audience unexpected and shocking information about himself.

2. James Joyce,  Ulysses

In the final chapter of Joyce’s famous Modernist novel, his character Molly Bloom speaks:

I was thinking of so many things he didn’t know of Mulvey and Mr Stanhope and Hester and father and old captain Groves and the sailors playing all birds fly and I say stoop and washing up dishes they called it on the pier and the sentry in front of the governors house with the thing round his white helmet poor devil half roasted and the Spanish girls laughing in their shawls and their tall combs and the auctions in the morning the Greeks and the Jews and the Arabs and the devil knows who else from all the ends of Europe and Duke street and the fowl market all clucking outside Larby Sharans and the poor donkeys slipping half asleep and the vague fellows in the cloaks asleep in the shade on the steps and the big wheels of the carts of the bulls and the old castle thousands of years old yes and those handsome Moors all in white and turbans like kings asking you to sit down in their little bit of a shop and Ronda with the old windows of the posadas glancing eyes a lattice hid for her lover to kiss the iron and the wineshops half open at night and the castanets and the night we missed the boat at Algeciras the watchman going about serene with his lamp and O that awful deepdown torrent O and the sea the sea crimson sometimes like fire and the glorious sunsets and the figtrees in the Alameda gardens yes and all the queer little streets and pink and blue and yellow houses and the rosegardens and the jessamine and geraniums and cactuses and Gibraltar as a girl where I was a Flower of the mountain yes when I put the rose in my hair like the Andalusian girls used or shall I wear a red yes and how he kissed me under the Moorish wall and I thought well as well him as another and then I asked him with my eyes to ask again yes and then he asked me would I yes to say yes my mountain flower and first I put my arms around him yes and drew him down Jo me so he could feel my breasts all perfume yes and his heart was going like mad and yes I said yes I will Yes.

Bloom’s internal monologue is a stream of consciousness that ends as she remembers the moment that her husband Leopold proposed to her.

3. William Shakespeare,  Romeo and Juliet

In Act II, scene 2 of  Shakespeare ’s famous tragedy about two young star-crossed lovers, Juliet contemplates the name, and family connection, of her new beloved:

‘Tis but thy name that is my enemy;

Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,

Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part

Belonging to a man. O, be some other name!

What’s in a name? that which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet;

So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d,

Retain that dear perfection which he owes

Without that title. Romeo, doff thy name,

And for that name which is no part of thee

Take all myself.

Juliet delivers this monologue while believing herself alone; however, she is overheard by her Romeo, who soon makes his appearance.

Further Resources on Monologues

Backstage  has a wonderful search engine, The  Monologuer , that allows you to search through 739 different dramatic and comedic monologues.

According to The Script Lab,  these  are the 10 best movie monologues.

Frontier Poetry published this interesting  article  about Dramatic Monologues in poetry.

Related Terms

• Dramatic Monologue
• Stream of Consciousness

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Definition of monologue – Learner’s Dictionary

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(Definition of monologue from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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