Monologue
Literary term · say it MON-uh-log
A monologue is a long speech by one character without another speaker taking a turn. It can address other characters or reveal private thoughts, giving readers time to follow a character’s feelings, arguments, or plans.
Two ways monologue appears
A speech to others
A character speaks at length while other characters listen. The speech may tell a story, defend a choice, or try to change the listeners’ minds.
In Julius Caesar, Antony addresses the crowd after Caesar’s death. His funeral speech gradually turns the crowd against the men who killed Caesar.
In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
A soliloquy
A character speaks private thoughts aloud, without treating other characters as listeners. This kind of monologue lets the audience hear doubts or intentions that might otherwise stay hidden.
In Macbeth, Macbeth imagines a dagger before him as he prepares to murder Duncan. His speech reveals his troubled mind before he goes to the king’s room.
In Macbeth by William Shakespeare
How to spot a monologue
- Look for a long stretch of speech from one character.
- Check whether anyone interrupts or takes a turn.
- Notice whom the character addresses and what the speech reveals.
What is the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy?
A soliloquy is a monologue that presents a character’s private thoughts aloud. Monologue is the broader term: it also includes long speeches addressed to other people, such as a public appeal or a story told to listeners.
Can a monologue appear in a novel?
Yes, a novel can contain a monologue when one character speaks at length without interruption. It can also contain an interior monologue, which follows a character’s unspoken thoughts rather than words said aloud.
Related terms
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