Ever caught yourself reciting that one killer but lengthy speech from your favorite movie or TV show, like Meryl Streep's sermon on cerulean blue in The Devil Wears Prada? That's called a monologue, and they are an essential literary device in literature and performing arts, from plays and novels to films and sketches. But what are monologues exactly, and what makes them so impactful in storytelling?In this article, we'll go over what monologues are, some examples, and how to use them in your own stories.What Is a Monologue?A monologue is a long—and I mean, really long—speech delivered by a single character. It's when a single voice commands the stage or screen, delivering a verbal marathon that might have you hanging on every word or checking your watch (depending on how well it's written). They’re either addressing another character, speaking directly to the audience, or expressing their own thoughts aloud. The aim is to avoid making it conversational. Monologues aim at expression and declaration rather than conversation. Types of MonologuesMonologues can be further divided into three types:SoliloquyWhen a character delivers a soliloquy, they are basically talking to themselves at length. Their words can be overheard by another character or even be in the direct presence of them, but they are silent, being spoken to (or really, at). The speaking character says their thoughts out loud, and it almost sounds like a speech, but is not addressed to anybody. It’s an indulgent self-talk instead. Soliloquies are great for portraying a character’s internal...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today