A monologue is a one-sided affair – a speech delivered to an audience by an individual who expresses his/her thoughts, feelings, perspective etc. A well worded monologue reveals the speaker’s character, thoughts, frame of mind, mood, etc.
A monologue is a one-person narration without anyone responding – otherwise it would be a dialogue rather than a monologue.
Monologues are used in theatre, characters in books, movies, TV shows etc., whereby a person expresses him/herself via a monologue. Monologues appear in nonfiction settings, to such as stand-up comedy, vlogs, and one-person podcasts. For example, when one person “gets the mic” and uses it to express their thoughts and feelings without having to converse with another character.
Monologues can be delivered in various forms: -
- Soliloquy
speaking one’s thoughts aloud when alone and regardless of anyone hearing. - Villain Speech
a long speech by an antagonist, antihero or “bad guy”. Monologues can address other characters or be one character talking to themselves or the audience. - Dramatic asides
Less popular today – but a good example occurs in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. A relative of Hamlet speaks the aside and addresses the audience while other characters on stage are, ostensibly, unaware of his words. - Dramatic monologue
A poem written as a speech which reveals inner thoughts about the situation, and indirectly revealing character traits. - One man comedy act. Think of Peter Kay, Michael McIntyre, etc.
- Songs focused on individual characters’ feelings and thoughts
- Rant
It can be a factual rant about a grievance. It can also be a great vehicle to make a speech using humour and hyperbole.