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Writing Monologues
Introduction
A monologue is a piece of dialogue in which one character speaks for an extended amount of time. Monologues are important literary devices and can play an important part in the structure of a play. Most monologues occur as part of a longer play (usually a one-act or a full-length), but some playwrights write individual monologues that aren’t part of a play script.
This guide will offer some strategies for writing an effective monologue.
Terminology
Soliloquy: an extended speech in which a character speaks to himself/herself instead of another character. They are common in classical drama.
Monologue: a longer piece of dialogue in which one character speaks, usually to another character.
Given circumstances: the things that are happening in the character’s world as well as the basic information about the character.
Context & Analysis
Preparation
One of the most important things to decide when writing a monologue is why the character is speaking the monologue. What has happened up to now that makes this character feel the need to say this? Why is the character saying what they’re saying now, instead of at the beginning of the play, or nearer the end? You’ll want to have a clear understanding of
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Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright