How to Use a Monologue
Monologues are primarily used in two ways: a character either expresses their thoughts aloud, or , speaks directly to the audience or another character. So deciding on which way to use monologue depends on the character and whatever they are experiencing in the story. So to use a monologue:
- Ask yourself, what is happening to the character.
- Decide what is the goal for the monologue and type of monologue that will make it happen. Will the character be having a major realization that will add to the story? Or will the character be caught talking to him- or herself in a funny video?
- Use the situation to create the thoughts and words for your character.
When to use a Monologue
The monologue is first and foremost a dramatic device; it is used on stage, television, and in films—in other words, mediums that use actors—and across all genres. In literature, they are principally used in dramas. Characters express their thoughts through monologues, and use them to deliver important speeches to the audience and other characters. They can be used to share feelings, plans, anxieties—anything that a character needs to communicate that can only be accomplished through speech. More often than not, a monologue presents the most significant words of a scene; thus, they can be very helpful in both explaining and progressing a story’s plot and developing a scene’s mood.