Length:
- Can vary from 10 minutes to several hours.
Number Of Characters:
- One character is on stage
- The presence of others may be implied
- The character may assume the other character's personalities & voices
Conflict:
- The theatrical law of conflict doesn't always aply to monologues
- Often short monologues are effective despite lack of conflict, instead choosing to
focus on characterization.
- Other monlogues are constructed around major conflict, such as a decision the
character must make now.
A Fresh Insight Into A Character's World:
- Monologues often conclude with a piercing insight that makes the audience think
about what the character had to say during the course of the play.
To Whom Is The Character Speaking?
- If possible, simply ignore this question.
- However if you must demonstrate motivation for why the character is speaking
inanimate objects may be placed on stage for the character to talk to.
- It is better to invent a dynamic character who cannot remain silent, who must
speak, and reveal his inner self, who has a pwoerful need to express deeply held
beliefs & confictions.
- Some monologues establish the presence of others on stage, of course invisible
& silent.
Strengths:
- At its best a monologue is a clean and direct penetration of the topic. It is a rich
illumination of an individual's heart & soul, a compelling story that is carefully
shaped with a beginning, middle & end.
Weaknesses:
- At its worst a monologue is self-indulgent, wordy, and often full of whimpers aout
failures, and as shapless as a dirty sock.
