how to write a introduction monologue

How to Write a Monologue: Tips and Examples

Hello, dear readers. So you want to write a monologue? We assume that’s why you’re here. And you’re in the right place! In this article, you’ll learn all about what exactly a monologue is, its purpose in literature and media, and how to write your very own.

Tune in to learn the secrets behind a great monologue.

What Is a Monologue?

Firstly, what exactly is a monologue? And what is its purpose? There are different types of monologue that you may wish to know about before deciding which kind you will write. Let's dive in.

Definition of Monologue

A monologue is a lengthy, uninterrupted speech, spoken by a single character in theatre plays, novels, movies, television, or essentially, any media that uses actors. That is why, for the purposes of this article, we will use the terms ‘audience’, ‘listener’, ‘viewer’, and ‘reader’ interchangeably to refer to the intended audience of your monologue.

We’ll also use the terms ‘watch’, ‘listen’, and ‘read’ interchangeably, to refer to the concept of written material enjoyed in any format.

The word ‘monologue’ comes from the Greek words ‘monos’ and ‘logos’, meaning ‘alone’ and ‘speech’ respectively.

What is the Purpose of a Monologue?

Monologues tend to be used to give the audience more information about the story or the character’s thoughts, personality, or motivations. They give a glimpse into the character’s thought process when making a decision, which helps us, the audience, make sense of that decision.

A monologue also invites viewers, listeners, and readers into the speaker’s mind and gives them a glimpse of their true nature. Just in the same way, we can’t truly get to know someone unless they let us in on their innermost thoughts and, sometimes, secrets, our knowledge of a fictional character would remain limited if it weren’t for monologues giving us some insight.

Monologues can also be used to move the story forward. Indeed, telling part of a story through speech instead of scenes can save time and explain in more detail what has happened, in a way that imagery or dialogue couldn’t.

A monologue is also a great way to pack a lot of information into a scene, in a way that dialogue might not allow, due to the back and forth of the speech between characters and perhaps, at times, the unwillingness of the characters to reveal some information to one another.

Generally, the information given in a speech usually cannot be given in dialogue - at least not in the same way - and this is the reason why monologues exist. Remember this, as it will be important to take into consideration when you come to write your monologue, as we will come to explain in a later section.

Types of Monologue

Here are the following types of monologues:

A soliloquy is a type of monologue given by a character who assumes nobody is listening to them. They are speaking to themselves, rather than to another character or the audience.

Soliloquies give a privileged insight into a character’s thoughts, and can therefore be used to explain some of their choices, motivations, or actions.

Since the character delivering the soliloquy is unaware that anyone can hear them, they tend to reveal pretty personal and private information in these monologues. Of course, the audience can hear them, and sometimes another character might also be listening secretly.

The famous To Be Or Not To Be by William Shakespeare is an example of a soliloquy. Hamlet delivers this speech without intending for anyone to hear it. It’s a lament of his feelings.

Dramatic monologue

A dramatic monologue is quite the opposite of a soliloquy. Indeed, this type is a speech given by a character, with the intention of another character and/or the audience of hearing it.

When you watch the President’s speech on TV, for example, you are watching a dramatic monologue.

A character will usually deliver a dramatic monologue to reveal specific intentions.

Interior monologue

An interior monologue gives the audience access to the character’s stream of consciousness. The character is aware that the audience is listening, and they are delivering the speech to confess their thoughts and feelings to them, or to give the audience an essential part of information.

The difference is that, unlike a dramatic monologue, the character isn’t speaking directly to the audience.

They fill in the blanks and provide the reader, listener, or viewer with a clearer picture of what’s going on.

For example, you might hear an interior monologue in between scenes during a movie or a sitcom.

Fight Club is a great example of interior monologues. It is full of them throughout the movie, with Edward Norton as the narrator, giving us some insight into his thoughts, which, as it turns out, ends up playing an essential role in understanding the story. Without this ongoing interior monologue, the story wouldn't make sense.

Origins of Monologues

Drama as we know it evolved from Greek theatre, which started as long ago as 700 BC. Originally, it consisted mostly of monologues and did not contain much acting or dialogue between characters.

It evolved into more complex setups: now more characters were being added in to play out the storyline, and dialogues between characters were helping to carry the story forward. But even then, monologues were invaluable in helping transmit parts of the story to the audience.

Imagine, for example, having to relay to the audience that years have gone by, and the man has departed on his travels, and the woman in the meantime got pregnant unexpectedly. All of this on a small stage in 500 BC. Of course, this could also be done using signs or acting, but it would be much easier to explain with a monologue, don’t you think?

How to Write a Monologue

Are you ready to get onto the juicy bit? It’s time to write your own monologue. Whether you’re writing for a theatre play, a movie, a novel, a speech on TV, or any other medium, the following tips will help you in your endeavor.

Get Your Timing Right When You Write a Monologue

If you’re writing a monologue with the purpose of it being part of a bigger piece of writing, then timing is everything. If you don’t place it correctly, it could feel a little forced, or come across as fake to your audience. Or, quite simply, it might not deliver the dramatic effect you’d like it to.

You could place your monologue at the beginning or end of the scene or movie, or you could strategically place it at another crucial moment.

Thinking about your monologue’s purpose will help you decide the optimal time for your character to deliver their monologue.

A monologue at the beginning

Having a character deliver a monologue at the beginning of a scene, movie, act or chapter can help set the mood and tone for what’s to come. This can be useful if you want to implement a sudden change in tone, for example. Or if you want to introduce an unexpected side to a character.

Think of Henry Hill’s monologue at the start of Goodfellas. This iconic speech gives an introduction to one of the main characters, and immediate insight into his way of thinking, as well as his hopes and desires.

A monologue at the end

A monologue at the end of a scene helps summarize, emphasize the moral, or end on a particular note.

Think of Red’s parole monologue at the end of the immensely popular movie The Shawshank Redemption . It brings together the moral of the story by expressing the lessons Red has learned from his time in prison.

This monologue cleverly gives us insight into the meaning he has derived from his countless dialogues with other characters throughout the movie, as well as his experiences, all of which we have been witness to. This speech has a strong impact on the audience and leaves us feeling a particular way - as per the writer’s intentions.

A monologue as a transition

Monologues, as we have mentioned already, are a good way to mark a transition between two ideas. If you’re using a monologue for this purpose, then there aren’t any rules around where exactly you should place it. This comes down to your judgment.

Placement is still important. It is essential to place it somewhere that makes sense. Even more so if it’s a monologue serving as a transition since placing it in the middle of a scene can really interrupt the flow if it isn’t done naturally. Don’t get us wrong, you can have a monologue in the middle of a scene - if it makes sense.

Know Your Monologue’s Purpose

As has been mentioned earlier, a monologue must be used to do something a dialogue cannot. Otherwise, it will seem ill-placed and forced, and the audience will wonder why you’re using a monologue as opposed to another type of speech. So ask yourself, when your monologue is written - could this have been better communicated in a dialogue? If so, your monologue needs to be stronger.

A monologue can carry so much power. The best ones give us goosebumps as there are high stakes involved. Think of Buffy the Vampire Slayer delivering a long speech to her Scooby Gang about why they can defeat the big bad - even though this one is scarier and stronger than any other before.

Or take Sean Maguire’s speech about love and loss in the iconic Good Will Hunting. It is highly impactful - on the viewers, as well as Matt Damon’s character Will.

Another great monologue is Lester’s speech in American Beauty about how time stretches right before you die, which is delivered as he is about to die.

These monologues are notorious and will be remembered always, because of the emotions they elicited.

Be deliberate about your monologue’s purpose, and determine what it will be before you begin writing it. As discussed earlier, the purpose will also determine where it goes in your scene/movie if you are indeed writing one.

Knowing your monologue’s purpose will help it to fit seamlessly into the scene, and the overall evolution of the story will flow. It will also help you decide which type of monologue it should be - dramatic, soliloquy, or interior.

Give Your Monologue Structure

A clear beginning, middle, and end are essential parts of a monologue. You can almost think of a monologue as a standalone piece of writing. In fact, sometimes it is. Perhaps you’re here because you just want to write a monologue that will stand alone. In any case, the monologue should begin and end with a specific purpose.

Usually, the ending will be some sort of revelation on the speaker’s part. If the purpose of the monologue was for the character to have an internal struggle around which action to take, then the monologue might end with a decision.

If the monologue was telling a story about the character’s past, the end might explain how this impacts them today.

Choose the Right Length For Your Monologue

A monologue can be any length, as long as you follow the above rules. The length is less important than what the monologue is accomplishing and how well it is doing it. You could lose your reader/viewer within the first few sentences if the monologue is boring. Conversely, an enthralling and well-written monologue can keep the reader engaged for paragraphs or hours at a time (depending on the medium).

If your monologue is intended for an audiovisual medium, after writing it, it can be a good idea to perform it out loud the way you would like it to be performed by the actor - conveying the right emotions and taking the relevant pauses in speech. This is because a monologue can last for longer when spoken than it seems when being read in your head.

Of course, if you’re writing a monologue only, as opposed to a monologue that will fit into a broader picture (movie, book, etc.) then it’s likely to be somewhat longer since the entire performance rests on this monologue. Again, that isn’t a problem, it just raises the stakes in terms of keeping the listener engaged. Think about why they would want to listen to you if they don’t know anything about you/your character. And if they do know you, what more might they want to know?

Start to Write a Monologue With a Hook

You should spike the reader’s curiosity from the very beginning of the speech so that the listener will want to pay attention until the end. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Use humor when you write a monologue: People love to laugh. Opening with humor is a great way to get people engaged and wanting more. Humor done well is usually a winner. If you’d like to know more about that, check out our recent article on writing comedy .
Resonate with the audience: If they feel like you get them, your audience will be more than happy to stick around. Start with something they can resonate with.
Inject an element of surprise: Try saying something a little controversial or challenging. The audience won’t expect it and they’ll be curious to see where you’re going. So make sure you are going somewhere with it.
Get emotional: People like the idea that there’s something bigger at play. There’s always a way to make your topic tap into something larger than what it first appears to be.

What Makes a Good Monologue?

Now’s the time to edit and rewrite what needs to be improved upon. Remember, writing is a process. You aren’t expected to get it right the first time. Many drafts will be required, and that’s okay. Have fun with your monologue. Workshop it. Get ideas from friends.

Here are some tips to check if your monologue can hold its ground. You can use these tips to check in at different stages of your writing process, or when you’re done writing and are ready to make some tweaks.

Can it Stand Alone?

Ask yourself: if you take your monologue out of context, will it stand on its own pretty well? If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance your monologue is of high quality.

Since a monologue needs a clear beginning and end, as explained earlier, it can usually stand alone and make perfect sense.

Does it Add to the Story?

Despite being able to stand alone, within the intended context it adds fresh details to the story. So this is another element of a good quality monologue. It reveals something new to the audience.

Maybe it’s some juicy info that they didn’t know about a character. Maybe it raises the stakes. Maybe it makes the audience care more. Whatever it is, it grips the listener and keeps them hooked until the end of the monologue.

Character Profile and Character Development When You Write a Monologue

Your characters must act in a way the audience expects them to. Think of how a real person would act. Sure, we sometimes act out of character, but mostly we stick to a fairly unchangeable set of values and act in largely predictable ways. Your characters should do the same.

It can help to design character profiles, going into quite a lot of depth around their traits, thoughts, likes and dislikes, hobbies, and so on. Even if you don’t plan to use this information in your story directly, it can help you know your characters like your back pocket. And this in turn will help you write realistic monologues because they paint your character’s thoughts in a way that seems natural.

Even if their monologue is revealing something completely unexpected, the audience won’t question it so long as the character development was leading to this, or if they believe it’s possible in any way.

Does it Flow?

The best way to know if your monologue flows naturally is to perform it out loud. If you can, hire an actor to perform it. This will allow you to take the place of the audience and really listen . Does it grab your attention? Does the character behave in a way and use words that they would be expected to? Is the tone consistent throughout? Does the ending feel natural or is it a little abrupt? Is it long enough? Perhaps it feels too long and some elements can be cut.

There’s no better way for you to know how your monologue will come across to an audience than by putting yourself in the audience’s shoes. Of course, reading it out loud to another person will also help, as they will have the objectivity that you won’t, from hearing the piece for the first time.

How to Get Better at Writing Monologues

If you enjoyed the process of writing a monologue, you may want to write more. That’s great! If you want to get your creative juices flowing, monologues are a great choice because they are so rich and diverse, and there are many directions you can go with it.

It’s important to hone your craft and make sure that you’re improving your skills over time. Here is some advice for you to get better and better at writing monologues.

As they say, practice makes perfect. Keep writing, make it a daily practice. You can find time to write a little each day. Try using writing prompts - you can find these online, or in journals bought specifically for this purpose.

When you practice, you don’t have to practice only writing monologues. Just getting your creative juices flowing will help you. The more you tap into that side of your brain, the more it will become a habit, and the easier inspiration will come.

Speaking of inspiration, try to find it in mundane moments or objects. Pay attention to what’s around you and imagine writing a story about it.

Enjoy the Process When You Write a Monologue

Before, we said, “practice makes perfect”. Of course, there’s no such thing as perfection, especially in the world of creativity, since everyone’s taste is different and art is subjective.

Besides, we don’t recommend that you aim for perfection. Why? Because this will rob you of the joy of the process.

Writer Mark Ronson once said that he used to write with the anticipation of the piece being performed, always thinking ahead. Then when he got his piece to the stage and he was finally “there”, he had “made it”, he would realize that the most enjoyable part of the process was actually the writing.

Moral of the story is? Enjoy each stage when you’re in it. Don’t wish your time away. Don’t dwell on being imperfect or wondering how popular your piece of writing will be. That’s not the most important part. Because the truth is that when you find joy in your writing, this will be felt in your writing, as it will naturally improve.

Learn From the Pros

Watch, read, listen to and mimic the pros. What are they doing? Find out about their daily rituals, and their practices around writing, listen to their advice, and take in their tips.

This applies to writing monologues or writing in general.

You can buy books, watch Ted Talks, listen to podcasts, and take a course; the list of resources to help you improve your writing is endless. Head to reputable sites created by the people who have been there, who are doing it, who are living it, and listen to what they have to say. Learn from their expertise.

Expose Your Mind to Good Writing

There’s no better way to be exposed to good writing than to read good writing. Or watch well-written movies.

Pay attention to the dialogue. Study the writing and see if you can detect patterns. Read/watch the material over and over, join a study group, and dissect the whole thing. Not only is this loads of fun, but it will seriously help improve your writing.

Final Thoughts on How to Write a Monologue

So hopefully by now, you have the tools to write a strong monologue, so what are you waiting for? Get started! We believe in getting started before you feel ready, because the inspiration will come as you are writing, and practice makes perfect.

Remember, above all, to have a lot of fun with it. Having a goal for your monologue is valid, but it isn’t everything. Writing should be a fun and enjoyable process, so make sure not to omit that side of things, too.

Good luck writing your monologue!

Learn More:

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How to Write Comedy: Tips and Examples to Make People Laugh
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How to Write a Monologue in 7 Simple Steps

There was a time when monologues were used in theatres but things are different now. Monologues are used in books, movies, novels , science fiction , TV series, and pretty much everywhere.

Writing a monologue needs creativity and a systematic approach. You can’t just start writing a good monologue without a plan. A poorly written monologue will bore readers, they might lose interest, or they might skip the monologue outright. In any case, it’s a big loss as a writer if you fail to connect with your readers at any stage.

A great writer makes readers read every single word – not just once – but multiple times.

If you are new to monologue writing and have little or no idea of where to begin, what to include, and how to write a monologue, this actionable step-by-step guide is your best bet.

How to Write a Monologue: Step-By-Step Guide

Writing a monologue doesn’t just require practice but it needs a systematic approach. You can’t just write anything and name it as a dramatic monologue, and expect your audience to make sense of it.

If you are new to monologue writing, the following 7-step guide to writing a powerful monologue will help you master the art.

Step #1: Define the Purpose of the Monologue

You don’t have to add a monologue to your story just for the sake of it rather you must have a clear purpose and objective that you wish to achieve with the help of a monologue. Remember the following golden circle :

Ask yourself: Why, how, and what of the monologue to clearly define its purpose.

For example, you can use monologue to reveal a secret. Writers use monologues to express a character’s true emotions or thoughts that are, otherwise, hard to express via dialogues. Whenever you find it hard to communicate with the readers via dialogue, you must consider using a monologue.

Defining the purpose of the monologue is the first and most crucial step in the writing process. You can use monologue for a wide range of purposes such as:

Emotional release by a character
Revealing a secret
Answering questions related to the storyline or character
Sharing feelings and thoughts of a character
Communicating with the readers

Ideally, you need to make sure you are using monologue to either let a weak character express his/her views or have one of the main characters speak aloud.

Step #2: Develop Character Profile

Character development is a must. When you decide to write a monologue and you have set its purpose, you know the character already. You now need to set up the complete character profile to ensure the speech is delivered appropriately.

Remember, monologue is different. It has to be powerful, attention-grabbing, and interesting so that the audience doesn’t lose interest. You don’t just have to focus on the speech and its words rather the actor or character delivering it must be worked upon too.

Building a character profile that matches the monologue is essential. Here is a list of the major things to consider for profiling:

Speaking style
Character’s voice
Tone and pitch
Facial expressions
Body language
Emotions and feelings

And other details you think are necessary. Check out this 12-step guide to creating a powerful character profile .

Most of these details might not appear in the story but these are necessary as it helps you craft a better monologue. For example, the tone, pitch, and speaking style might not be visible in the book, however, when you set these upfront, you’ll be able to use words, sentences, terms, and phrases that help you deliver the tone, pitch, and style.

Character development and profiling specifically for an effective monologue are essential to keep it natural and meaningful.

Use Squibler to write your monologue and store your character, their details , dialogue , and descriptions so that you keep the characters constant throughout the story as you want them to be. You can always invoke the details by just writing the character’s name when writing your monologues with it.

Step #3: Identify the Audience

The audience refers to the people your character will be addressing. The audience is the target of your character’s monologue . If your character is addressing himself/herself, the audience in this case will be the character himself/herself.

When writing a good monologue, make sure you have a target audience identified. It will help you write a better monologue. Avoid writing your monologue without any specific audience.

For example, if there is a character expressing his feelings for another character, decide if the other character must be present or if the monologue will be delivered in his/her absence.

These petty details are always in your mind as a writer, but it is essential to write them down so that you can avoid assumptions while writing a monologue. Just because you know the audience of the monologue doesn’t mean readers will know it too.

Use Squibler’s smart writer to develop and extend the monologue. You can provide manual instructions about your intended audience, the type of conversation, and the plot to the AI tool and it will generate content within seconds for you according to your needs.

Step #4: Craft a Powerful Beginning

Now is the time to start writing the monologue. A monologue has three distinct parts: Beginning, middle, and end.

The beginning of the monologue must be powerful, and intriguing, and it must be attention-grabbing.

The first must line sets the stage for a secret and the second line further tells the readers what they must expect from the monologue.

The beginning should set the tone and mood of the monologue so it must be crafted carefully. The best approach is to write an outline for the entire monologue and then craft a beginning according to the outline.

Here are a few tips on writing an attention-grabbing beginning for your monologue:

Stick with the purpose of your monologue and make sure the beginning adheres to the purpose
The first line must be the best
Start the monologue with a secret, fact, joke, or deep emotion to hook the readers
One of the basic approaches to writing a killer monologue introduction is to begin it with the most crucial sentence (the crux of the monologue), and then explain it throughout the monologue
Define the character and the need for the monologue. Why a speech is needed in the first place?
Set the tone and mood by using the right words, expressions, attire, and scene.

One of the key features of writing a monologue is to use software that you are comfortable with. Using a monologue writing software saves you from a lot of issues such as formatting and organization of ideas.

Squibler , for instance, is the best AI writing app that provides you with an AI smart writer, multiple templates, and outlines that save you from the pain of doing everything from scratch. You can use an existing template and instruct the Smart Writer to generate engaging and relevant content for. Consider using a writing app so you can focus on writing instead of formatting, organizing, template, and outlining, and what’s better than using an AI one where you don’t even have to write by yourself?

Step #5: Write the Middle Part

As a writer, I’m sure you the importance of creating conflict and resolving it. The best technique to write the middle section of your interior monologue is to use conflict and climax to make it work.

This is the crux of the monologue where you have to explain everything by building your case. One of the most common ways to write a monologue is to build past-present interaction. The character, in this case, refers to past feelings and emotions and connects them to present and/or future events, actions, or thoughts.

Here is an overview of the important things to consider when writing the mid-section of a monologue:

Use conflict to build reader interest as it works best for monologue writing. Focus on the word choice.
Build the speech in a way that leads to the climax. Use an interconnected series of actions, words, and feelings that lead to the climax or a decisive action.
An important revelation about the character that’s alien to the readers and other characters is often the best way to use a climax in a monologue.
The secret (or climax) must be related to the plot and the rest of the story. It must not be an isolated climax that doesn’t impact the plot.
Create suspense as it will keep readers hooked. Since a monologue is a speech by one character, readers might likely get bored if it lacks suspense or climax. Develop suspense with a plot twist.

The middle part of the monologue is where you need to present everything. It must be well-written and must connect with the readers emotionally. Not to forget, it must fulfill the purpose of the monologue.

If you feel stuck with adding the details and conflict, Squibler’s smart writer takes the lead. You can instruct the tool about the context, plot, and intensity you want to add, and it will generate conflict-rich intense content around your plot. If you don’t like some segment, don’t worry, you can always edit it.

Step #6: Craft a Clear Ending

A monologue without a proper ending is a rare scene. The end of the scene or the monologue must be clear, sound, and logical. It needs to give something new to the readers in the shape of a climax or a plot twist.

There are several important considerations for the ending including:

It needs to conclude the monologue with a very strong point
The ending must justify the purpose of the monologue
It must end with something new preferably something that readers don’t expect at all
The ending must show readers how the story will move forward from this point.

When you are done with the ending, you’ll have a clear view of the full monologue. This is a good time to revisit your entire monologue and see if it fits well in the story.

Step #7: Refine and Tweak

Finally, you are all set to refine, proofread, and edit your monologue. Refining your monologue is important because it is a long speech that might make readers bored. Unlike interactive dialogues, a monologue needs special attention as it’s not interactive.

Follow these advanced techniques to refine and polish your monologue:

Read it and see how well it fits in the overall story
See if it meets the objective and does it conveys the same message that you wanted to deliver
Have a few experts read the monologue for improvements and suggestions
The monologue must be short so try removing words, phrases, and weak sentences
Keep it simple by breaking lengthy complex sentences into short phrases.

The issue of polishing and refining is taken care of by the writing app if you are using one. When you are using a monologue writing app , you’ll have a set template and outline to follow that saves you from refining your work.

What is a Monologue?

A monologue is a speech (usually long) by a single character in a film, book, novel, or story. It can be used for varied purposes such as to share a character’s viewpoints or to explain something to the readers (or audience).

Monologues originated from theatres where a character used to make a long speech to address the audience to share thoughts. But monologues aren’t limited to theatres only and are used widely in the literature in plays of all types. One of the famous monologue examples is Polonius’s speech to his son in Hamlet by William Shakespeare:

Here is another example of a monologue from Mark Antony in Julius Caesar:

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious: If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answer’d it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest– For Brutus is an honourable man; So are they all, all honourable men– Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me: Brutus says he was ambitious; Brutus is an honourable man.

There are different types of monologues that you can choose from. An understanding of the types of monologues helps you better craft it.

It is a monologue that’s used in drama and was used extensively in theatre in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The character expresses his/her feelings in the speech while other characters and actors stay silent.

Interior Monologue

It is a monologue that’s used in both fiction and nonfiction stories where a protagonist expresses his/her thoughts and mindset. It depicts the thoughts (and feelings) that a character is going through.

Dramatic Monologue

It is a poem that’s written as a speech. You’ll find dramatic monologues in Robert Browning’s poems such as My Last Duchess . It is also used in novels where a character expresses his/her views and psychological viewpoint to the readers.

Advanced Tips and Tricks to Write a Monologue

Now that you know how to write a monologue in 7 easy steps, it is time to look at advanced tips, techniques, and tricks to refine and improve your monologue. You already know the basics and you know how to get started, the following tips will help you take your monologue writing skills to the next level:

The monologue must be concise . Generally, great monologues are long speeches but you need to make sure you aren’t adding too many details. Edit it multiple times to ensure it only consists of relevant and important details and nothing else. While the concept is to have a long speech, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to keep it lengthy. Maintain a balance.
Have a clear understanding of the type of monologue you’ll be writing . This goes beyond the purpose of the monologue. You can choose to write a contemporary monologue instead of a poetic one. If you aren’t sure what type of monologue you’ll write, it will get extremely tough to make sense of the final product.
The monologue must have a strong point of view, and climax , and it must have a strong impact on the story and/or character. The idea of a great monologue is to convey important details via a speech delivered by a single character. If the outcome of a monologue isn’t intriguing and it doesn’t impact the story significantly, what’s the point of writing a monologue?
Avoid adding too many monologues close to each other . Monologues must be used when you have to convey important information or you need to reveal a secret or add a twist to the story. Having multiple monologues simultaneously means disclosing too much important information together and that’s where it gets confusing and rather boring for the readers. Add monologues at the right place where it makes the most sense.
Read, read, and read . The more you read the best monologues, the better. It will help you understand how to write a monologue, how to structure it, what type of language to use, and so on. You’ll find a lot of monologues throughout the literature, consider reading a few of them before writing a monologue for the first time.
Focus on the structure of the monologue , that is, it must have a clear introduction, middle, and conclusion. Consider it a story within your story with a proper opening line and ending.
Use a writing app or software to simplify and fasten the writing process. A writing app will help you get started quickly by selecting a relevant monologue template, adding text, and that’s all. It saves you a lot of time and you can focus on writing the monologue instead of other non-writing tasks. Consider using Squibler that’s one of the best AI writing apps in the market. You can not just write, re-write, and generate content with AI, but also organize, collaborate, and assign work on the same tool.

Final Remarks

You are ready to start writing your own monologue . You know the steps on how to write a monologue, what to expect, how to make it appealing, and what techniques to use. It is time to get into it practically.

A monologue isn’t much different from any other type of writing. Once you have the first monologue ready, you’ll see how easy the process is. Simply follow the step-by-step guide in the article and you’ll be good to go.

As a writer, you might not face any obstacles in writing a monologue. You will know how to connect with the readers, how to use climax, how to reveal secrets, how to build a character, how to connect past events to present events, how to remove fluff from the text, and so on. This seems familiar, right?

Monologues aren’t much different from any other story you write. You can master it with little practice. The more you write them, the better. Your skills will improve significantly over time.

Here is a list of the most common questions that authors ask when writing monologues:

How do I start writing a monologue?

To begin your monologue, focus on a strong, relatable theme or emotion. Dive into personal experiences, observations, or fictional scenarios that evoke the intended feeling. Remember, the key is to connect with your audience through genuine expression.

Should I follow a specific structure for my monologue?

While there’s no strict formula, consider starting with a compelling opening, followed by a development of your main idea, and conclude with a memorable closing. Allow your thoughts to flow naturally, maintaining a conversational tone that keeps listeners engaged.

How long should a monologue be?

Aim for a duration that maintains the audience’s interest. Generally, 3-5 minutes is a good guideline, but let the content dictate the length. Ensure each word serves a purpose, keeping the monologue concise and impactful.

Can I use humor in a serious monologue?

Absolutely! Humor can be a powerful tool to engage your audience and create a connection. However, balance is key. Integrate humor thoughtfully, ensuring it complements the overall tone and reinforces your message rather than distracting from it.

How do I make my monologue authentic and relatable?

Inject your personality into the narrative. Share personal anecdotes, use everyday language, and express genuine emotions. Allow your unique voice to shine through, creating a connection that resonates with the audience and makes your monologue memorable.

Published in What is a Screenplay?

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Scriptwriting

What is a Monologue — Definition, Examples & Types Explained

S ome of the most iconic lines in the history of literature and cinema have come from monologues. As a character spills their thoughts and emotions into a speech, they often create memorable lines that connect to characters and the audience. In this article, we’ll take a look at some iconic monologues and analyze what exactly a monologue is. We’ll also take a look at the three types of monologues with examples of each. Let’s dive in.

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What is a Monologue

First, let’s define monologue .

Screenwriting is a skill but writing dialogue is an art unto itself. What writer wouldn't want to indulge in a flowing and expansive speech? Well, as most writing teachers will tell you, this is an indulgence one should only partake in when necessary. A successful monologue, in other words, is a strategic one.

MONOLOGUE DEFINITION

What is a monologue.

A monologue is a long form speech delivered by a single character in a play or a film. The term monologue derives from the Greek words “ monos ” which translates to “alone” and “ logos ” which means “speech.” These speeches are used by writers to express a character’s thoughts, emotions, or ideas. Depending on what type of monologue is used, the character can be addressing themself, another character, or the audience.

Types of Monologues:

What is a monologue used for, what is the purpose of a monologue.

A story is made up of bits of information that is communicated to the audience over time. When it comes to information regarding a character’s thoughts or emotions, a monologue is effective at efficiently communicating this info to the audience and/or to another character.

A monologue is often the vocalization of a character’s thoughts giving insight that reveals details about a story’s plot or its characters. This character’s speech in and of itself can propel the story forward based on how other characters react to it and what events are caused by it.

A great example of this can be found in the Good Will Hunting script . Will (Matt Damon) is resistant to any court mandated therapist. However, this monologue by Sean (Robin Williams) caused Will to finally be open to meeting further with him.

We brought the iconic monologue into StudioBinder's screenwriting software to analyze it further. Click the image below to read the entire scene. With writing this good, no wonder this script won the Oscar.

What is Homage Good Will Hunting Example StudioBinder Screenwriting Software

Good Will Hunting script • Read the entire scene

As you can see, this monologue does multiple things simultaneously for the film’s story. It reveals exposition about Sean. We learn he is a veteran, that he loved his wife deeply, and that he lost his wife to cancer.

At the same time, the monologue propels the plot forward by allowing Sean to finally break through to Will.

Good monologues will either reveal character information or plot info. A great monologue will reveal both while moving the story forward all at the same time. Let’s take a look at the different types of monologues you can use in your own work.

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What is a Monologue in Literature and Film?

Types of monologues.

It is important to understand the type of monologues and their unique properties. There are three different types of monologues that are all defined by who the monologue is delivered to. Who the monologue is delivered to also influences the content of the monologue.

What is the difference between a monologue and a soliloquy? This is a great place to start. A soliloquy is a type of monologue in which a character delivers a long speech to themself rather than to another character or to the audience. In a way, a soliloquy is a character talking to themself trying to analyze their own thoughts, emotions, or predicament.

One of the most famous excerpts from any play in history is in fact a soliloquy from Shakespeare’s Hamlet . In this iconic soliloquy, sometimes known as the to be or not to be monologue Hamlet ponders life and death and whether the hardships of life are too difficult to manage.

To be, or not to be, that is the question:

Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take arms against a sea of troubles

And by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,

No more; and by a sleep to say we end

The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks

That flesh is heir to: 'tis a consummation

Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;

To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub:

For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,

When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,

Must give us pause—there's the respect

That makes calamity of so long life.

For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,

Th'oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,

The pangs of dispriz'd love, the law's delay,

The insolence of office, and the spurns

That patient merit of th'unworthy takes,

When he himself might his quietus make

With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,

But that the dread of something after death,

The undiscovere'd country, from whose bourn

No traveller returns, puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have

Than fly to others that we know not of?

Thus conscience doth make cowards of us all,

And thus the native hue of resolution

Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,

And enterprises of great pith and moment

With this regard their currents turn awry

And lose the name of action.

From this monologue example, you can see that soliloquies are often the most genuine and honest because a character is talking to themself and has no reason to lie. So the reliability behind the monologue is not questioned by the audience.

Dramatic monologue

A monologue that is delivered by a character to another character or to the audience is defined as a dramatic dialogue. Dramatic dialogues are long in length and often unbroken by the speech of other characters.

These are the most common monologues found in film since characters deliver monologues mainly to other characters. While dramatic monologues in both film and plays are commonly delivered to other characters, they can also be delivered directly to the audience if the fourth wall is broken .

One of the best movie monologues from Call Me By Your Name is a showstopper. Delivered by a pitch-perfect Michael Stuhlbarg, this speech has everything you’d want in a monologue. It feels natural yet important, and it is informed both by the reactions of Elio and Mr. Perlman’s own internal struggles. Give it a watch:

Call Me By Your Name • a monologue from a movie

Internal monologue.

An internal monologue is a type of monologue in which a character’s thoughts are expressed but not vocalized in the world of the story. In literature, this is often expressed in italicized paragraphs to indicate that the words are not spoken out loud. In a play, this can be delivered as an aside. In film, an internal monologue is delivered through voice over as a way for the audience to witness the thoughts of a character.

This brilliant internal monologue from one of Charlie Kaufman’s best films Adaptation gives us insight into what the character is thinking. This is then immediately and ironically ridiculed by the speaker in the scene.

McKee monologue

And here's the scene from the script. A bit of screenwriting about how to be a great screenwriter!

What is a Monologue Adaptation Example StudioBinder Screenwriting Software

Adaptation Monologue Example • Read Full Scene

Like the irony underscores in the scene, internal monologues and voice over can be dangerous and ineffective when used as a crutch. But when used cleverly as it is in this example by Charlie Kaufman, it can elevate the creativity of a film and how it connects to an audience.

How to Write ‘Realistic’ Dialogue

Monologues in film are most commonly delivered within a larger dialogue scene. A part of creating a memorable monologue is by writing great dialogue that frames it. In our next article, we lay out some fundamental tips to writing realistic, compelling dialogue.

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Tips on Writing a Monologue

Writing a monologue can be challenging because they have to show character and plot detail without bogging down the play or making the audience yawn.

A successful dramatic monologue should indicate what’s in the mind of one character while adding emotion or wow-factor to the rest of the play.

You may choose to write a monologue to add pepper to the play or raise the stakes in general. Most importantly, you should begin by constructing your monologue before writing and polishing it to perfection.

These clear-cut guidelines will help you write your monologue.

What is a Monologue?

Simply put, a monologue is a long presentation by a solo character in a film or theatre gig.

Monologues can be one character having a conversation with themselves or the audience, or they can be a character conveying a message to others in the scene.

The word monologue is an antonym of the word dialogue and is derived from the Greek terms that stand for alone and speak.

The primary goal of writing a monologue is to give meaning to your storytelling- to offer your audience more information about a character or the plot.

Applied tactfully, a monologue is an awesome way to share your internal thoughts or backstory of a character or mention particular elements about your plot.

How to Distinguish a Monologue from a Soliloquy

A monologue that involves a character talking to themselves, “internal monologue” is known as a “soliloquy.”

You can identify this tool in William Shakespeare’s famous plays and specifically the soliloquy “To Be or Not to Be” speech from Hamlet. In the soliloquy, Hamlet questions whether he should continue to challenge his malicious uncle or kill himself.

Key Tips for Writing an Effective Monologue

Just because monologues involve one character doesn’t mean they are simple to write. Monologue scripts should be written with singular consideration and moderation. You wouldn’t want to bore your audience while failing to drive the point home at the end of the day.

Below are the important factors to keep in mind when writing a monologue:

The Character’s Essence

Newbie scriptwriters can be overly ambitious by writing monologues to display their writing techniques; however, be wary of this as it can rapidly pull viewers out of the plot.

With so many monologues to explore, when writing yours, you should make it feel natural and inconspicuous in your story, so it should be voiced by your character along with their viewpoint.

Start by using language that is authentic to your character to help craft a constructive monologue.

The Character’s Backstory or Significance to the Storyline

The essence of monologues is to unfold significant details about a character or the plot, so you must advance the speaking character and capture the plot for them to occupy even before you begin your writing.

Monologues aid in telling the audience about a character’s previous experiences and traits.

The Character’s Ambition

In reality, you rarely sit down and have a conversation with yourself unless you have a dire reason or a life-changing decision to make. Similarly, for any monologue, the character should have a motivation for it.

How to Write a Dramatic Monologue

Superior monologues are well-structured with an introduction, a body and a conclusion. This build-up of a resolution is crucial in long stories because they prevent stories from becoming stale and boring.

So here’s how to organize your monologue:

Ideally, people don’t randomly talk to themselves unless they’re nutjobs! They start to monologue in reaction to an event that took place or something that was said.

When writing a monologue, try easing in your audience with your first line. Something as simple as “ I can’t stop thinking about that thing that happened last week” is a great way for a character to begin a monologue speech.

Middle

The central part of a monologue can be the toughest one to crack. Because people often get bored with long speeches, it’s good to keep your monologues interesting by making them unpredictable.

Incorporate tiny tricks and shocking twists into your storytelling. Use captivating plot features to unique character descriptions to maintain the freshness of your monologues.

It’s a common practice to wrap up monologues using convincing statements that explain the essence of the plot. However, don’t overindulge in this technique as it can be monotonous and uninteresting. Rather, trust your viewers to extract the meaning of the monologue themselves.

Takeaways for Writing a Solid Monologue

Practice, Practice, Practice

The best tool for writing an effective monologue is to practice. Your first monologues may seem amateur but keep pushing and you’ll see your monologue writing skills improving in no time!

Pay Attention to Detail

Monologues created in general language are unmemorable. The best monologues apply concrete details that readers can latch onto and recall. Spice up your monologues by adding striking words.

When feeling mentally blocked, try using your five senses to create imagery to make them unforgettable.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Monologues shouldn’t fill up tons of script space- they should be as concise as possible. This doesn’t mean all your monologues have to be short; rather focus on editing and pointing out the important details.

The more centred your monologue, the more compelling and notable it will be for your audience.

Arrangement is Crucial

Monologues are powerful writing tools but too many of them clustered in your story will bother your readers. Restrain yourself by creating a few monologues and spacing them out in your story so they’re not too close together. This will make each monologue stand out and protect your audience from boredom.

Learn From the Best

Prominent monologues draw their inspiration from other prominent monologues. So if you’re feeling stuck, tap into the skills of great monologue writers such as William Shakespeare.

After you’ve gone through Hamlet, look into Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream .

Overall, enjoy writing your monologue! If you feel like something isn’t working out, you are mandated to substitute it until it rings true.

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What is a Monologue?

The word “monologue” consists of the Greet roots for “alone” and “speak.” The term refers to a long speech by a single character that is either addressing other characters in the scene or talking to the audience.

A monologue can serve a specific purpose in storytelling. If used carefully, a powerful monologue can give the audience more details about a plot or a character. They are a great way to share the backstory of a character or his internal thoughts.

While monologues and soliloquy are similar (since in both, speeches are presented by a single character), the main difference between them is that the speaker in a monologue reveals his thoughts to other characters in the scene or the audience, while the speaker in a soliloquy expresses his thoughts to himself.

Examples of Powerful Monologues

Jocasta in Oedipus the King: “Why should a mortal man, the sport of chance, with no assured foreknowledge, be afraid?”
Antigone in Antigone: “Yea for these laws were not ordained by Zeus, And she who sits enthroned with gods below…”
Marc Antony in Julius Caesar: “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears; I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him…”
Flute (as Thisbe) in A Midsummer Night’s Dream: “Asleep, my love? What, dean, my dove? O Pyramus, arise!”
Gloucester in Richard III: “Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York…”
Jacques in As You Like it: “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players…”
Hamlet in Hamlet: “To be, or not to be, that is the question…”
Viola in Twelfth Night: “I left no ring with her: what means this lady?”

Monologue Structuring Tips

The structuring of a good monologue is similar to that of a good story ; it will have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Without a buildup and a resolution, long stories can become stale and monotonous.

Beginning: there’s always a reason to initiate a monologue, even in real life. People usually start speaking in response to something that happened or was said. Your first line must make a smooth transition into a monologue. An easy way to start a monologue could be “I was thinking of what was said of him…”
Middle: This is usually the toughest part to write in a monologue. This is because long speeches can bore your viewers, and so it is important to avoid predictable monologues. You can achieve this by crafting little twists and turns into the storytelling. Adding such interesting plot details, and unique ways the character describes them can keep your monologues engaging and fresh.
End: it is common for monologues to end with a quick statement of meaning, especially monologues meant to convince other characters in the scene to do something. You don’t have to do so much explanation nonetheless, you can trust your audience to find meaning in it for themselves.

In conclusion , there has to be a purpose for using a monologue in a play or film. It shouldn’t be used merely to tell what you can’t show. Instead, it should add more depth to your story, or be a call to action.

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How to Write a Monologue for a Play

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Ben Whitehair . Ben Whitehair is a Social Media Expert and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of TSMA Consulting. With over a decade of experience in the social media space, he specializes in leveraging social media for business and building relationships. He also focuses on social media’s impact on the entertainment industry. Ben graduated summa cum laude from The University of Colorado at Boulder with BAs in Theatre and Political Science as well as a Leadership Certificate. In addition to his work as CIO, Ben is a certified business and mindset coach and National Board Member of SAG-AFTRA. He is also a successful entrepreneur as the Co-Founder of Working.Actor, the premier business academy and coaching community for actors. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 318,483 times.

Dramatic monologues can be tricky to write as they must provide character detail and plot without bogging down the play or boring the audience. An effective dramatic monologue should express the thoughts of one character and add emotion or intrigue to the rest of the play. You may decide to write a monologue to add character detail to the play or to raise the stakes of the play overall. You should start by structuring the monologue so you can then write and polish the monologue to perfection.

Structuring the Monologue

Step 1 Decide the perspective of the monologue.

You can write a monologue for the main character to give them a chance to speak on their own, or for a minor character to give them a chance to finally express themselves.

Step 2 Determine the purpose of the monologue.

The monologue should add tension, conflict, or emotion to the rest of the play and give the audience new insight into an existing issue or problem.
For example, if there's a character who has been mute during the first act, they could have a monologue in the second act where they reveal why they are mute.

Step 3 Decide who will be addressed in the monologue.

A monologue can address a specific character, especially if the speaker wants to express their emotions or feelings to them. The character can also express their thoughts or feelings about an event for the audience's benefit.

Step 4 Consider the beginning, middle, and end of the monologue.

Create an outline that includes a beginning, middle, and end for the monologue. Note what will occur in each stage of the monologue.
For example, you may write: “Beginning: Elena the mute speaks. Middle: Elena tells us why and how she became mute. Ending: Elena realizes she prefers staying silent to saying her thoughts out loud.”
Alternatively, write the first and last lines of the monologue, then create the content between them to generate ideas and thoughts for the monologue.

The Duchess of Berwick’s monologue in Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan . [3] X Research source
Jean’s monologue in August Strindberg’s Miss Julie . [4] X Research source
Christy’s monologue in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World . [5] X Research source
“My Princesa” monologue by Antonia Rodriguez.

Writing the Monologue

You may start the monologue with a big revelation right away, such as Christy’s monologue in John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World . [6] X Research source
Christy's monologue tells the audience right away that the speaker killed his father. It then discusses the events leading up to the murder and how the speaker feels about his actions.

Step 2 Use your character’s voice and language.

For example, the “My Princesa” monologue is written from the perspective of a Latino father. He uses terms and sayings that are specific to him, such as “whoop his ass” and “Oh hell naw!” These make the monologue engaging and add character detail.
Another example is The Duchess of Berwick’s monologue. Wilde uses the character’s casual, conversational tone to reveal the plot and keep the audience engaged. [7] X Research source

Step 3 Allow your character to reflect on the past and the present.

For example, in his monologue, Christy addresses his father's murder by reflecting on past choices and moments that may have lead to his pivotal decision.

For example, Jean’s monologue opens with striking images of his childhood, “I lived in a hovel provided by the state, with seven brothers and sisters and a pig; out on a barren stretch where nothing grew, not even a tree...”
The details in the monologue help to paint a clear picture of Jean’s childhood hovel. They also add to his character and help the reader get a better sense of his past.

For example, in his monologue, Christy reveals that his father was not a very considerate person or a good father. He explains that he did the world a favor by killing his father. [11] X Research source

For example, in his monologue, Jean reveals that he tried to kill himself because he was born too low to be with Miss Julie. He then ends the monologue with a reflection on what he learned about his feelings for Miss Julie. [13] X Research source

Polishing the Monologue

Step 1 Cut down the monologue to the essentials.

Remove any redundant lines or awkward phrases. Cut out any words that do not add to the character’s voice or language. Include only the essential details in the monologue.

Note moments where the monologue is confusing or verbose. Simplify these areas so the monologue is easy to follow for the listener.

Step 3 Have an actor perform the monologue for you.

Sample Monologues

Expert Q&A

↑ http://pediaa.com/how-to-write-a-monologue/
↑ Ben Whitehair. Acting Coach. Expert Interview. 3 June 2021.
↑ https://www.openingmonologue.com/from/lady-windermeres-fan/
↑ https://www.openingmonologue.com/?s=miss+julie
↑ https://www.instantmonologues.com/preview/Synge_Playboy
↑ http://www.monologuearchive.com/s/synge_001.html
↑ http://www.monologuearchive.com/w/wilde_008.html
↑ http://www.monologuegenie.com/monologue-writing-101.html
↑ http://www.monologuearchive.com/s/strindberg_012.html

About This Article

To write a monologue for a play, break your monologue up so there's a beginning, middle, and end, like you're telling a mini story. You should write the monologue from the perspective of one of the characters in the play, and it should have a clear purpose, like adding tension to the play or helping the audience understand something. For example, your monologue could be one of the main characters explaining to the audience how they killed someone. Try to keep your monologue short and to the point, and avoid using long or redundant sentences. To learn how to polish your monologue when you're finished writing it, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Write A Monologue

Writing a monologue can be a challenging but rewarding task. Whether you are a playwright, actor, or simply someone looking to express themselves through the art of solo performance, crafting a compelling monologue requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of character and storytelling.

The first step in writing a monologue is to choose a compelling and relatable topic. This could be a personal experience, an issue that is important to you, or a fictional scenario that resonates with your audience. Once you have chosen your topic, it’s important to consider the perspective from which you will be speaking. Are you speaking as yourself, or are you embodying a character? Understanding the point of view from which you are speaking will help guide the tone and language of your monologue.

Next, consider the structure of your monologue. A well-crafted monologue typically has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning should grab the audience’s attention and establish the setting and context of the monologue. The middle should delve deeper into the topic at hand, exploring emotions, conflicts, and revelations. The end should provide closure or leave the audience with something to ponder.

When it comes to writing the actual dialogue of your monologue, it’s important to make every word count. Each line should serve a purpose in advancing the story or revealing something about the character. Consider using vivid imagery, sensory details, and figurative language to bring your words to life and engage the audience’s imagination.

As you write your monologue, don’t be afraid to revise and refine your work. Read it aloud to yourself or perform it for others to get feedback on how it resonates. Pay attention to pacing, rhythm, and emotional beats as you fine-tune your performance.

In conclusion, writing a monologue requires careful consideration of topic, perspective, structure, dialogue, and revision. By approaching this task with creativity and dedication, you can create a powerful piece of solo performance that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impact.

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I. What is a Monologue?

A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a story. In drama, it is the vocalization of a character’s thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater—a speech to be given on stage—but nowadays, its use extends to film and television.

II. Example of a Monologue

A monologue speaks at people, not with people. Many plays and shows involving performers begin with a single character giving a monologue to the audience before the plot or action begins. For example, envision a ringleader at a circus…

Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls!

Tonight, your faces will glow with wonder

As you witness some of the greatest acts ever seen in the ring!

Beauties and beasts, giants and men, dancers and daredevils

Will perform before your very eyes

Some of the most bold and wondrous stunts

You’ve yet beheld!

Watch, now,

As they face fire and water,

Depths and heights,

Danger and fear…

The ringleader’s speech is directed to the audience. His monologue helps him build anticipation and excitement in his viewers while he foreshadows some of the thrills the performance will contain.

A monologue doesn’t have to be at the start or end of a play, show, or movie—on the contrary, they occur all of the time. Imagine a TV series about a group of young friends, and on this episode, one friend has been being a bully. The group is telling jokes about some of the things the bully has done to other kids at school, when one girl interrupts everyone…

You know, I don’t think what you are doing is funny. In fact, I think it is sad. You think you’re cool because you grew faster than some people, and now you can beat them up? What is cool about hurting people? We are all here pretending that you’re a leader, when really, I know that you’re nothing but a mean bully! All this time I’ve been scared to say that, but just now, I realized that I’m not afraid of bullies—so, I won’t be afraid of you!

When a conversation stops and shifts focus to a single character’s speech, it is usually a sign of a monologue. In this situation, a group conversation between friends turns into one girl’s response; a monologue addressing bullying and the bully himself.

III. Types of Monologues

A. soliloquy.

A speech that a character gives to himself—as if no one else is listening — which voices his inner thoughts aloud. Basically, a soliloquy captures a character talking to himself at length out loud . Of course, the audience (and sometimes other characters) can hear the speech, but the person talking to himself is unaware of others listening. For example, in comedy, oftentimes a character is pictured giving themselves a lengthy, uplifting speech in the mirror…while a friend is secretly watching them and laughing. The soliloquy is one of the most fundamental dramatic devices used by Shakespeare in his dramas .

B. Dramatic Monologue

A speech that is given directly to the audience or another character. It can be formal or informal, funny or serious; but it is almost always significant in both length and purpose. For example, a scene that captures a president’s speech to a crowd exhibits a dramatic monologue that is both lengthy and important to the story’s plotline. In fact, in TV, theater ,and film, all speeches given by a single character—to an audience, the audience, or even just one character—are dramatic monologues .

C. Internal Monologue

The expression of a character’s thoughts so that the audience can witness (or read, in literature) what is going on inside that character’s mind. It is sometimes (depending on the style in) referred to as “stream-of-consciousness.” In a piece of writing, internal monologues can often be easily identified by italicized blocks of text that express a character’s inner thoughts. On TV and in films, internal monologues are usually spoken in the character’s voice, but without seeing him actually speak; thus giving the feeling of being able to hear his thoughts .

IV. Importance of Monologues

Monologues give the audience and other characters access to what a particular character is thinking, either through a speech or the vocalization of their thoughts. While the purpose of a speech is obvious, the latter is particularly useful for characterization : it aids the audience in developing an idea about what the character is really thinking, which in turn helps (or can later help) explain their previous (or future) actions and behavior.

V. Examples of Monologue in Literature

As a technique principally used on the stage (or screen), the best examples of monologues in literature are found in dramatic literature, most notably in Shakespeare’s dramas. Below is selection of arguably the most famous monologue in literature— soliloquy , specifically—from Act III Scene I of the tragedy Hamlet . This soliloquy begins with the well-known words “To be, or not to be- that is the question:”

HAMLET To be, or not to be- that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them. To die- to sleep- No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to. ‘Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish’d. To die- to sleep. To sleep- perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub! For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. There’s the respect That makes calamity of so long life.

This scene reveals to the audience that Hamlet is contemplating suicide. His words express an internal thought process that we would normally not be able to witness. The only reason that Shakespeare has Hamlet speak these words out loud is so that the audience—not anyone else in the play—can hear them. He uses a soliloquy to share Hamlet’s unstable state of mind and disquieting thoughts.

In Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” the narrator is sent to find a man named Simon Wheeler, who will tell him a story. After the narrator introduces the premise, he explains that he let Wheeler “go on in his own way, and never interrupted him once.” He follows with Wheeler’s story, told in Wheeler’s voice, which he achieves through the shift in the style of speech. Below is a small piece of the story:

There was a feller here once by the name of Jim Smiley, in the winter of ’49—or may be it was the spring of ’50—I don’t recollect exactly, somehow, though what makes me think it was one or the other is because I remember the big flume wasn’t finished when he first came to the camp; but any way he was the curiosest man about always betting on any thing that turned up you ever see, if he could get anybody to bet on the other side; and if he couldn’t, he’d change sides. Any way that suited the other man would suit him—any way just so’s he got a bet, he was satisfied. But still he was lucky, uncommon lucky; he most always come out winner.

Mark Twain was a literary genius when it came to storytelling—he could make the page seem like a stage with the way he used spelling and grammar to bring a character’s accent and personality to life. Wheeler’s story is a dramatic monologue , which Twain used to achieve the feeling of a real storytelling exchange between two people. His employment of this dramatic technique in this short story makes the readers feel like they are hearing Wheeler’s story firsthand.

VI. Examples of Monologue in Pop Culture

Oftentimes, a conversation occurs between characters and then shifts to one character giving a significant speech. This is a popular way of inserting a monologue into a scene. In this scene from Season 5 Episode 10 of the TV horror The Walking Dead , the group is talking around the campfire:

Every day he woke up and told himself, ‘Rest in peace; now get up and go to war,’” says Rick. “After a few years of pretending he was dead, he made it out alive. That’s the trick of it, I think. We do what we need to do, and then we get to live. No matter what we find in D.C., I know we’ll be okay. This is how we survive: We tell ourselves that we are the walking dead. -Rick Grimes

Here, Rick’s monologue begins when the dialogue ceases to be a group discussion. Now he alone is speaking to the group—he is giving a dramatic monologue .

In one of the most popular Christmas movies to date, A Christmas Story , the protagonist Ralphie is also the narrator. However, the narration is internal: Ralphie isn’t speaking directly to us, but he is openly letting us in on his thoughts.

As you’ve now heard in this clip, Ralphie’s voice is that of an adult man, and that’s why the narration style in this film is unique—adult Ralphie is simultaneously reflecting on the past and reenacting present-Ralphie’s thoughts. The mental debate he has about who taught him the curse word and what to tell his mother is an internal monologue : we can hear his thoughts; thus the situation is funnier and more thought provoking.

VIII. Related Terms

An aside is when a character briefly pauses to speak directly to the audience, but no other characters are aware of it. It is very similar to a monologue; however, the primary difference between the two is that an aside is very short ; it can be just one word, or a couple of sentences, but it is always brief—monologues are substantial in length. Furthermore, an aside is always said directly to the audience, usually accomplished (in film and television) by looking directly into the camera. As an example, asides are a key part of the style of the Netflix series House of Cards ; the main character Francis Underwood often looks directly into the camera and openly addresses the audience as if they are present, while the other characters do not know that the audience exists.

While a monologue is a given by one character (“mono”=single), a dialogue is a conversation that occurs between two or more characters. Monologues and dialogues are similar in that they both deliver language to the audience. For instance, in a movie, a race winner’s speech is a monologue, however, a speech collectively given by several members of a team is dialogue. Both techniques can address the audience, but the difference lies in how many people are speaking.

In conclusion, monologues (and dialogues) are arguably the most fundamental parts of onstage drama and dramatic literature. Without them, essentially only silent film and theater could exist, as monologues provide the only way for the audience to witness a character’s thoughts.

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How to write a monologue – free lesson plan from “teaching playwriting”.

The following lesson plan is an abridged excerpt from the new book Teaching Playwriting: The Essential Handbook , a step-by-step guide to fostering creativity in your classroom. You can learn more and instantly download the entire 108-page resource by clicking here .

The first step to becoming a great playwright is the ability to step inside a character and find his or her voice. Monologue writing is a great way to practice that skill.

The interactive activities below will help you provide your students with the tools necessary to create a compelling monologue that rings true to their characters.

Warm-Up: Talk for a Minute

Speaking as Themselves

Have students pair up for this activity. One student is “A” and the other is “B”. Each student has one minute to speak on a given topic. Their mission is to stay on topic to the best of their ability and to talk for the entire sixty seconds without stopping.

If A goes first, B’s job is to listen and keep track of A’s speech habits. Does A pause a lot? Use “ums” and “ahs” repeatedly? Are there words she repeats more than others?

Once the minute is up, it is now B’s turn to speak on a different topic and A’s turn to listen and pay attention to B’s habits.

After the second minute is up and both partners have spoken, open a discussion up on what students noticed about their experience when speaking to and observing their partner. Was this a hard/easy activity? Why? Were they able to stay on topic?

Speaking as a Character

Tell them that they are going to do this exercise once more, but this time, they will speak in the voice of a given character. To prompt them, you will provide part of their first sentence. This time B will start and the character they must voice is either a king or a queen. Write on the board the beginning of their first line and give them one minute to speak.

Example: As king/queen of this great nation of ours and all its people, I feel it is my duty to discuss…

You can either give them the topic or let them choose. After the minute is up, it’s A’s turn again. Give them a completely different character. Here’s a possible first line prompt:

Example: So I said to her, “I may be a slow-witted giant with a nasally voice, but there isn’t a thing I don’t know about…”

Possible Topics: – volleyball – eggs – summertime – air balloons – chores – herbs & spices – camping – the circus – school lunch – worms – water – ghosts – the letter “M” – rainbows – recycling – the moon – school safety – normalcy – dreaming big – goodness – respect – peer pressure – cyberbullying – acceptance

If they are able to stay on task without laughing, kudos to them!

Once again, discuss the experience as a class. Was it harder speaking as a character as opposed to speaking as themselves? Easier? Why? Did their use of language change when speaking as royalty or a slow-witted giant? How? How could this activity help us when writing for our characters?

Introduce: Monologues

Ask students, “How many people speak in a dialogue?”

Vocabulary: Dialogue – A conversation between two people or more.

Once correctly answered, move on to “How many people do you think speak in a monologue?”

Vocabulary: Monologue – A speech made by one actor.

They’ve already spoken two monologues today, but now they will write a monologue for a character. The character can be one they developed from any of the Creating Character lessons or be wholly original. However, only characters with a completed The Eight W’s of Character Development worksheet (worksheet D) should be considered so that there’s biographical information already in place.

Sample Monologues

Monologue A

WOMAN: This is mad crazy. Look at all this money. This is going to take care of everything. I can’t believe it. Oh, well, I better believe it. Looks like this is my lucky day.

Ask students what they learned about the character or situation from this monologue. They will most likely suggest that the woman is young because of the use of “mad crazy” and they may suggest that she won the lottery. Ask them if they know the latter for a fact. Generally speaking, they may guess about the situation, but there are not many concrete facts offered in Monologue A. All we really know is that a woman now has some money and that she may be young. Next read the second monologue.

Monologue B

CARRIE ANN: (Looking at something in her hands) Cherries. Cherries. Cherries. Cherries. Ohmygod. Cherries-Cherries-Cherries-Cherries. (pauses for a moment and takes it all in) Can this be what I think it is? Can this be real? I happen to tell a random stranger about my problems and like a guardian angel he swoops down to save the day. Oh, um, maybe I should get him some coffee. Do guardian angels even drink coffee? My God. Lucille is going to be fine. This kind of money is going to make everything fine. I need to call Dr. Angelo and schedule us in like now. And when Frank gets in – whenever he bothers to roll out of bed – I’m going to walk into his office, look him straight in the eye and tell him, “you can take this job and shove it ‘cause I quit!” And if Lucille gets better – when – when Lucille gets better, I’ll take her to Florida and enroll her in one of those fancy schools and we’ll go to Disney World everyday. This man – this-this-this this angel – has no idea that today he saved not one life, but two. Yeah, maybe I should get him some coffee. He can have all the coffee he wants .

Ask the following questions after the second monologue:

What’s this woman’s job?
How do they know that?
Where does the scene take place?
What does she mean by “Cherries. Cherries. Cherries. Cherries”?
Who is the man she refers to?
Why does she say he’s her guardian angel?
What does the man give her?
Why does he give her something?
Who is Lucille?
What might be wrong with Lucille?
What’s the name of the doctor?
What’s the name of the woman’s boss?
What’s the woman’s relationship to her job?

After you have thoroughly reviewed the second monologue with the class, reveal that these two monologues are for the same exact character in the same exact situation. In Monologue A, however, we learn only a little information whereas in Monologue B we are given so much more.

Show the pictures of House A and House B (worksheets E and F) introduced in the Creating Character I lesson and point out that Monologue A is like the version of the sketched house while Monologue B is like the version of the detailed house. Which version do students think audiences would appreciate hearing more?

Lastly, read the third monologue.

Monologue C

CARRIE ANN, the WAITRESS: Wow! I was telling this middle-aged customer with a moustache all about the fact that my daughter needs an operation and then when I gave him the bill, he told me that he had enough money to pay for the cheddar cheese omelet, hash browns and orange juice he ordered, but, unfortunately, he didn’t have enough to give me a tip because he only had ten dollars on him and the bill was $9.96, so he offered me a scratch-off lottery ticket instead. I was kind of bummed. I really need my tips because Frank, my boss, pays me and the other waiters so terribly. I figured I’d win maybe five dollars at the most or nothing at the worst. But oh, well, at least he was a nice customer. Then I scratched the ticket off and I won the whole jackpot. My twelve-year-old daughter, Lucille, is now going to be able to have that surgery she needs on her kidney and everything is going to be okay!

Like the second monologue (B), the third monologue (C) offers a lot of details, but to some extent, it offers too many. Audiences like to feel smart in figuring some stuff out on their own, so try not to spoon-feed every detail to them.

Outer versus Inner

Before they start writing, review with the class the difference between outer and inner monologues. Take a moment to go over the differences, perhaps providing a brief example.

Outer Monologue: When the character speaks directly to somebody and that other person is aware of being spoken to.

Inner Monologue: When the character speaks his/her thoughts out loud either to the audience or themself.

Monologue Focus

While it might be interesting to have a character share a random monologue about the time he slipped on a banana or the time he took a trip to New Jersey, remind students to keep their monologue connected to the character’s journey. Carrie Ann’s second monologue is about the moment she realizes she’ll be able to afford her daughter’s operation. A monologue about how she organizes her sock drawer just isn’t relevant. Keep monologues focused. Other words of advice to share with your students:

1) Monologues often happen at heightened and impassioned moments or an important moment during the play or your character’s life.

2) There should be a convincing reason why the character giving an outer monologue does not get interrupted by the person they are speaking to. Again, passion or anger or somebody who really needs to speak from the heart and be heard are useful here.

3) Monologues should reveal something about the character.

4) Keep your monologue present and active, so it’s not a character just telling us about a story they remember.

Activity: Write and Share Monologue

The Writing

Give students a moment to review the character that they have created and the corresponding Eight W’s worksheet.

Have students single out a critical moment when their character has something important to say.

The moment when…

…Dr. Angelo tells a stunned Carrie Ann that her daughter needs an operation. (outer monologue)

…Lucille is in the hospital again and Carrie Ann tells herself that she will stop at nothing to make this a better world for her daughter. (inner monologue)

… Carrie Ann, filled with anger, walks into Frank’s office to give him a piece of her mind and to quit her job. (outer monologue)

Before they write their monologue, have students answer the following three questions at the top of their page:

Question 1: What moment are you writing from your play?

Question 2: Why is this a moment for a monologue?

Question3: Is this an inner or an outer monologue? If outer, who is your character speaking to?

Monologue lengths vary, but if students are writing by hand, I tell them to aim for three quarters of a page single-spaced.

Lastly, remind them to incorporate passion and details, and to use language that is specific to their character.

Give students 7-10 minutes to write and revise.

The Sharing

Have students partner with a neighbor. Student A briefly provides context and pertinent backstory, then reads their monologue to Student B. After A finishes, B comments, mentions details that stood out and asks questions if anything was unclear. Then it is B’s turn.

While this is going on, walk around the room and skim a few monologues that aren’t currently being read aloud to look for potential examples to share with the rest of the class.

Afterwards, ask for volunteers to share their monologue with everybody. If you don’t get any volunteers, read a few monologues that stood out to you while you walked around. But usually, there are volunteers. Before they read, have them provide any pertinent details that are useful for the audience to know.

Reflection: Kings speak differently than giants. And giants speak differently than you. Despite the differences, we can always imagine what it would be like (and sound like) to be somebody we are not. Just as a city kid probably wouldn’t say, “y’all come back now, ya hear” or a grandmother wouldn’t say, “what’s poppin’, yo?” the words we give our characters to speak should be true to that character. And the moment they speak a monologue should be a moment where they have something important to express.

Follow-Up: No piece of art is necessarily perfect the first time through. Have students revise their monologue with a minimum of three changes or additions. At the bottom of the page, ask them to write down the reason why they made each change. Additionally, have them list what happens immediately before and after the monologue.

Have a comment or suggestion? Leave it below!

To download 20 additional chapters just like the one above, check out Teaching Playwriting: The Essential Handbook , a 108-page step-by-step guide to teaching playwriting in a classroom setting. Written by Sophia Chapadjiev, Artistic Director of the Young Playwrights Festival at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.

1 thoughts on “ How to Write a Monologue – Free Lesson Plan from “Teaching Playwriting” ”

Thanks! I am a newbie at teaching Drama this although I have some experience with directing programs and musicals. I have some resources, but this was a great free lesson to help me concentrate my ideas.

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Popeyes Has a New Chicken Sandwich Coming to Menus

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If you bought school lunch , did you pay with cash each time or did you have an account where money was deducted with each purchase? Either way, getting through that lunch line so you could get to satiating your hunger and socializing with friends was a big part of your school day.

Popeyes wants to remind its rewards members of those lunch periods gone by, by dropping Lunch Money FUNds in rewards members’ accounts to be used on its latest chicken sandwich. It's a variation on the one that started the chicken sandwich wars that led to most of the major fast food chains creating new breaded chicken sandwiches .

That chicken sandwich war never really ended. It’s now sort of a "Chicken Sandwich Cold War" with a skirmish every now and then. Skirmishes in the past month include McDonald’s introduction of a Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy and Chick-fil-A testing a different version of a chicken club on a pretzel bun .

Popeyes is hitting back with its own new chicken sandwich and a collaboration with a New Orleans hip-hop duo.

Popeyes New Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich

While there’s nothing wrong with spicing things up, it’s nice to see Popeyes leaving the heat out of a new offering. Between its last two innovations— Honey Lemon Pepper Wings and Sweet ‘N Spicy Wings —and last year’s Spicy TRUFF Chicken Sandwich , we’re ready for something a little more mild.

Enter the Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich—buttermilk-battered, all-white meat chicken breast, smothered in Golden BBQ sauce , and served on a buttery-toasted brioche bun with barrel-cured pickles. Guests can customize the sandwich with optional add-ons including a slice of Havarti cheese and Applewood smoked bacon.

To celebrate the new sandwich, Popeyes is launching a Lunch Money FUNds promotion saying it’s dropping lunch money into the accounts of its Loyalty Rewards Members for a free chicken sandwich to ensure FUN is infused back into lunch. But there’s a catch. That money comes in the form of points, and members must spend money to get those points.

The fast food chain is collaborating for the launch of the Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich with the New Orleans hip-hop duo SaxKixAve, made up of rapper Alfred Banks and Grammy-nominated saxophonist Albert Allenback, for a “Bring Back Lunch” anthem. Near the end of the anthem, Banks reveals the catch, and it’s not simply that the offer is only available to rewards members . Banks does one of those super-fast “disclaimer” monologues, and in that monologue, he reveals the free chicken sandwich comes in the form of 600 bonus points with a $10 purchase.

Fortunately, we know Popeyes chicken sandwiches are delicious—the fast food chain’s original came in number one in a chicken sandwich taste test —so it won’t be too difficult for rewards members to make a $10 purchase before they earn their Lunch Money FUNds.

The Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich is available starting May 7 at participating Popeyes locations nationwide.

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Published: 08 May 2024

Accurate structure prediction of biomolecular interactions with AlphaFold 3

Josh Abramson ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0000-3496-6952 1 na1 ,
Jonas Adler ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9928-3407 1 na1 ,
Jack Dunger 1 na1 ,
Richard Evans ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4675-8469 1 na1 ,
Tim Green ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3227-1505 1 na1 ,
Alexander Pritzel ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4233-9040 1 na1 ,
Olaf Ronneberger ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4266-1515 1 na1 ,
Lindsay Willmore ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4314-0778 1 na1 ,
Andrew J. Ballard ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4956-5304 1 ,
Joshua Bambrick ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0003-3908-0722 2 ,
Sebastian W. Bodenstein 1 ,
David A. Evans 1 ,
Chia-Chun Hung ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5264-9165 2 ,
Michael O’Neill 1 ,
David Reiman ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1605-7197 1 ,
Kathryn Tunyasuvunakool ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8594-1074 1 ,
Zachary Wu ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2429-9812 1 ,
Akvilė Žemgulytė 1 ,
Eirini Arvaniti 3 ,
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Ottavia Bertolli ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8578-3216 3 ,
Alex Bridgland 3 ,
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Miles Congreve 4 ,
Alexander I. Cowen-Rivers 3 ,
Andrew Cowie ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4491-1434 3 ,
Michael Figurnov ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1386-8741 3 ,
Fabian B. Fuchs 3 ,
Hannah Gladman 3 ,
Rishub Jain 3 ,
Yousuf A. Khan ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0201-2796 3 ,
Caroline M. R. Low 4 ,
Kuba Perlin 3 ,
Anna Potapenko 3 ,
Pascal Savy 4 ,
Sukhdeep Singh 3 ,
Adrian Stecula ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6914-6743 4 ,
Ashok Thillaisundaram 3 ,
Catherine Tong ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7570-4801 4 ,
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Ellen D. Zhong ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6345-1907 3 ,
Michal Zielinski 3 ,
Augustin Žídek ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-0748-9684 3 ,
Victor Bapst 1 na2 ,
Pushmeet Kohli ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7466-7997 1 na2 ,
Max Jaderberg ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9033-2695 2 na2 ,
Demis Hassabis ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2812-9917 1 , 2 na2 &
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The introduction of AlphaFold 2 1 has spurred a revolution in modelling the structure of proteins and their interactions, enabling a huge range of applications in protein modelling and design 2–6 . In this paper, we describe our AlphaFold 3 model with a substantially updated diffusion-based architecture, which is capable of joint structure prediction of complexes including proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, ions, and modified residues. The new AlphaFold model demonstrates significantly improved accuracy over many previous specialised tools: far greater accuracy on protein-ligand interactions than state of the art docking tools, much higher accuracy on protein-nucleic acid interactions than nucleic-acid-specific predictors, and significantly higher antibody-antigen prediction accuracy than AlphaFold-Multimer v2.3 7,8 . Together these results show that high accuracy modelling across biomolecular space is possible within a single unified deep learning framework.

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Highly accurate protein structure prediction with AlphaFold

De novo generation of multi-target compounds using deep generative chemistry

Augmenting large language models with chemistry tools

Author information.

These authors contributed equally: Josh Abramson, Jonas Adler, Jack Dunger, Richard Evans, Tim Green, Alexander Pritzel, Olaf Ronneberger, Lindsay Willmore

These authors jointly supervised this work: Victor Bapst, Pushmeet Kohli, Max Jaderberg, Demis Hassabis, John M. Jumper

Authors and Affiliations

Core Contributor, Google DeepMind, London, UK

Josh Abramson, Jonas Adler, Jack Dunger, Richard Evans, Tim Green, Alexander Pritzel, Olaf Ronneberger, Lindsay Willmore, Andrew J. Ballard, Sebastian W. Bodenstein, David A. Evans, Michael O’Neill, David Reiman, Kathryn Tunyasuvunakool, Zachary Wu, Akvilė Žemgulytė, Victor Bapst, Pushmeet Kohli, Demis Hassabis & John M. Jumper

Core Contributor, Isomorphic Labs, London, UK

Joshua Bambrick, Chia-Chun Hung, Max Jaderberg & Demis Hassabis

Google DeepMind, London, UK

Eirini Arvaniti, Charles Beattie, Ottavia Bertolli, Alex Bridgland, Alexander I. Cowen-Rivers, Andrew Cowie, Michael Figurnov, Fabian B. Fuchs, Hannah Gladman, Rishub Jain, Yousuf A. Khan, Kuba Perlin, Anna Potapenko, Sukhdeep Singh, Ashok Thillaisundaram, Ellen D. Zhong, Michal Zielinski & Augustin Žídek

Isomorphic Labs, London, UK

Alexey Cherepanov, Miles Congreve, Caroline M. R. Low, Pascal Savy, Adrian Stecula, Catherine Tong & Sergei Yakneen

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Correspondence to Max Jaderberg , Demis Hassabis or John M. Jumper .

Supplementary information

Supplementary information.

This Supplementary Information file contains the following 9 sections: (1) Notation; (2) Data pipeline; (3) Model architecture; (4) Auxiliary heads; (5) Training and inference; (6) Evaluation; (7) Differences to AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold-Multimer; (8) Supplemental Results; and (9) Appendix: CCD Code and PDB ID tables.

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Abramson, J., Adler, J., Dunger, J. et al. Accurate structure prediction of biomolecular interactions with AlphaFold 3. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07487-w

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Accepted : 29 April 2024

Published : 08 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07487-w

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Rod Serling introduces an episode of ‘The Twilight Zone’ in Culver City, California, on 23 January 1962.

Story by Rod Serling, Twilight Zone creator, published after 70 years

Daughters of TV great write introductions to First Squad, First Platoon, a story of war in the Pacific released by Strand Magazine

A story of the second world war by Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone , will be published in the US on Thursday after lying among his papers for nearly 70 years.

“I was writing a memoir, called As I Knew Him, My Dad, Rod Serling ,” Anne Serling, one of two daughters, told the Guardian. “And another writer, Amy Boyle Johnston, who had been doing a lot of researching of my dad’s early work and wrote a book called Unknown Serling , sent me the story. She’d found it in the archives in Wisconsin,” at the University of Wisconsin-Madison .

That was 10 years or so ago. Now, the story is published by the Strand Magazine , whose editor, Andrew Gulli, is both a Twilight Zone connoisseur and an old hand when it comes to finding unknown work by great writers. Stories by Truman Capote and James M Cain are among those Gulli has published.

Serling’s story, First Squad, First Platoon, concerns the experiences of American paratroopers in the Philippines towards the end of the war. Serling fought the Japanese there with the 511th Airborne, surviving, as Gulli says in his editorial, “some of the most intense combat of the entire conflict”.

First Squad, First Platoon has five chapters, one each for five soldiers. The description of the death of Melvin Levy is shattering. Amid a long-awaited rations drop, Levy performs a comic monologue for his overjoyed men. After the drop, as Serling describes it, Sgt Edward Etherson “climbed slowly out of his hole, wiping mud from his eyes and grinning broadly. He noticed Levy lying face down a few feet away.

“‘OK, Mel, you can come up for air,’ he said. ‘OK, Mel, start singin’ – they quit droppin’ … Hey Mel … Mel … Levy!”

“He stopped short and noticed that one end of a ration crate sticking up crazily was a lot redder than the Leyte mud. And Levy’s head rested a few feet from the rest of his body.”

The passage is all the more shattering when the reader realises it is true .

Serling, who appears in his own story, died in 1975, aged just 50. Anne Serling and her sister, Jodi Serling, say that like many men of his generation, he did not talk much about his wartime experiences – though he did explain, sometimes, why he screamed in the night.

Jodi Serling said: “I think when you read the story, you have to have the mindset to deal with the tragedy that’s in it. It’s pretty powerful. The first time I read it, I kind of didn’t let it sink in. And now, reading it again, it makes me want to go and hug them. Because my father entered the war right after high school, because that’s where the guys were enlisting. And it’s just amazing that he did what he did and came back somewhat whole.

“While he was over there, his father died at 52. And he was not allowed to return home for the funeral. And I think that was incredibly traumatising, to come home to an empty home, where his dad was gone. So it wasn’t just what he saw in the war.”

Rod Serling wrote First Squad, First Platoon in his early 20s, in the years after the war when he attended Antioch College. Gulli sees “a maturity beyond his years”.

“In terse prose, he delivers the immediacy, sense of place and cutting dialogue you’d expect from Hemingway, Crane or Dos Passos … a powerful, unvarnished look at war in all its brutality – an unforgettable story of ordinary people in extraordinarily hellish situations.”

Anne and Jodi Serling said elements of First Squad, First Platoon surfaced in Serling’s later work, in TV and film. The story would not have been published, however, without the cooperation of Serling’s estate and Nicholas Parisi, a biographer who provided transcription and edits.

Remarkably, the story includes an introduction, entitled To My Children, in which Serling addresses Anne and Jodi – not that he knew then he would be a father of daughters.

Lamenting his misfortune to have been led by politicians who promised “peace in our time” before the world plunged into war, Serling tells his unborn children: “I don’t want you to be among those who choose to forget. I want you to read my war stories and a lot of others like them. I want you to fill your heads with Remarque and Tolstoy and [the US war correspondent] Ernie Pyle. I want you to know what shrapnel, and ‘88s’, and mortar shells, and mustard gas mean.”

The story that follows is published amid hellish war in Ukraine and on the brink of an Israeli invasion of Rafah – to say nothing of other conflicts round the world.

For the Strand, Anne and Jodi Serling provide introductions of their own.

“It’s amazing what my dad went through,” Jodi Serling said. “I was 21 or so when he died. I didn’t really appreciate the impact of what my father was about because I wanted to be my own self. He encouraged me to be independent but I was young, and I would say dumb, not willing to appreciate what my father was offering the world.

“And he’s been gone so long now, 50 years, that I missed out on so much. So I’m learning a lot more about my dad.”

Both sisters hope their father’s story will be widely read, particularly by those who may only know him through The Twilight Zone, its reruns, remakes and reboots.

Anne Serling said: “I think a lot of people still have a lot of respect for my dad. And I think with everything that’s going on in the world, and has gone on in the world, where people are more realistic about war and how dreadful it is, I think the story will be well received. I think people can relate to it. And, you know, he was so young when he wrote it.”

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How to Write a Monologue With Examples
How to Write a Monologue With Examples. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Sep 13, 2021 • 5 min read. Dramatic monologues are a literary device that have been used since ancient Greek theatre—today, they are a common tool in modern plays and films. Dramatic monologues are a literary device that have been used since ancient Greek theatre ...
How To Write a Monologue
Neglecting the Character's Motivation. Understanding and consistently referencing the character's motivations is fundamental in how to write a monologue. Motivation should drive every word, every emotion, and every revelation in the monologue. 1. Ensuring Consistency with the Character's Objective and Actions.
How to Write a Monologue: Tips and Examples
Here are a few ways you can do that. Use humor when you write a monologue: People love to laugh. Opening with humor is a great way to get people engaged and wanting more. Humor done well is usually a winner. If you'd like to know more about that, check out our recent article on writing comedy.
How to Write a Monologue in 7 Simple Steps
Step #2: Develop Character Profile. Character development is a must. When you decide to write a monologue and you have set its purpose, you know the character already. You now need to set up the complete character profile to ensure the speech is delivered appropriately. Remember, monologue is different.
What is a Monologue
A monologue is a long form speech delivered by a single character in a play or a film. The term monologue derives from the Greek words " monos " which translates to "alone" and " logos " which means "speech.". These speeches are used by writers to express a character's thoughts, emotions, or ideas. Depending on what type of ...
How to write a monologue
Element #1: Your character must have a strong want. Think about the times you have become the most aggressive, upset, or combative. Most likely, if you felt this strongly, it was related to something you wanted or cared about very much. A character in a play or a monologue needs to want something badly.
Tips on Writing a Monologue
Writing a monologue can be challenging because they have to show character and plot detail without bogging down the play or making the audience yawn. ... Superior monologues are well-structured with an introduction, a body and a conclusion. This build-up of a resolution is crucial in long stories because they prevent stories from becoming stale ...
How to Write a Powerful Monologue (With Examples)
Your first line must make a smooth transition into a monologue. An easy way to start a monologue could be "I was thinking of what was said of him…". Middle: This is usually the toughest part to write in a monologue. This is because long speeches can bore your viewers, and so it is important to avoid predictable monologues.
How to Write Dramatic Monologue (with Pictures)
1. Place the monologue within the larger story or piece and consider how it works. Now that you feel you have a solid draft of the monologue, consider how it functions within the rest of the story. Ensure the monologue flows well within the larger story.
How to Write a Monologue Your Readers Will Remember
Keep it short and simple. As much as you can, edit, rewrite, and rephrase your monologue until it is as concise and clear as possible. Keep it focused, so that it will be more powerful and memorable for your audience. 6. Space them well within your story.
How to Write a Monologue for a Play: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
Alternatively, write the first and last lines of the monologue, then create the content between them to generate ideas and thoughts for the monologue. 5. Read other monologues. You can get a better sense of structure for your monologue by reading monologues in other plays.
Monologue Definition, Format & Example
When writing a monologue, keep a clear purpose in mind. Focus on revealing something about your character and advancing the plot of the story. To structure your monologue, create a clear beginning ...
How To Write A Monologue
Next, consider the structure of your monologue. A well-crafted monologue typically has a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning should grab the audience's attention and establish the setting and context of the monologue. The middle should delve deeper into the topic at hand, exploring emotions, conflicts, and revelations.
Monologue: Definition and Examples
A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a story. In drama, it is the vocalization of a character's thoughts; in literature, the verbalization. It is traditionally a device used in theater—a speech to be given on stage—but nowadays, its use extends to film and television. II.
How to Write a Monologue As Effectively As Possible
2. Details are key. When it comes to writing a monologue, you should remember that details are key. Remember that one of the main uses of monologue, is to elaborate on a specific subject. If you ...
Writing a Monologue Lesson Plan
Read the first two sections of the lesson, ''Monologue'' and ''Structure of a Monologue.'' Discuss the differences between a monologue and a soliloquy . Talk about the purpose for a monologue.
How to Write a Monologue
Monologue lengths vary, but if students are writing by hand, I tell them to aim for three quarters of a page single-spaced. Lastly, remind them to incorporate passion and details, and to use language that is specific to their character. Give students 7-10 minutes to write and revise. The Sharing.
How to Write an Essay Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
How to make an interesting beginning monologue
Depends on what you want. I would focus in on a sensation: an evokative image: like a camp fire. I would focus on something you wouldn't really think about, the feeling of the air on your neck as you hunch forward entranced by the dancing flame.The motes of the flame that dance off into the darkness.
What is a Monologue?
A monologue is a long speech spoken by one actor in a play or film. A monologue is where one character is doing the talking, whether it be dramatic talking, complaining, telling jokes, or evil laughing. Their story can include other characters, but only one is speaking in a long format and the audience sees the scene through the eyes of that ...
Popeyes Has a New Chicken Sandwich Coming to Menus
Banks does one of those super-fast "disclaimer" monologues, and in that monologue, he reveals the free chicken sandwich comes in the form of 600 bonus points with a $10 purchase. Fortunately, we know Popeyes chicken sandwiches are delicious—the fast food chain's original came in number one in a chicken sandwich taste test —so it won ...
Accurate structure prediction of biomolecular interactions with
The introduction of AlphaFold 21 has spurred a revolution in modelling the structure of proteins and their interactions, enabling a huge range of applications in protein modelling and design2-6 ...
Story by Rod Serling, Twilight Zone creator, published after 70 years
A story of the second world war by Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone, will be published in the US on Thursday after lying among his papers for nearly 70 years. "I was writing a memoir ...

How to Write a Monologue: Tips and Examples

What Is a Monologue?

Definition of Monologue

What is the Purpose of a Monologue?

Types of Monologue

Dramatic monologue

Interior monologue

Origins of Monologues

How to Write a Monologue

Get Your Timing Right When You Write a Monologue

A monologue at the beginning

A monologue at the end

A monologue as a transition

Know Your Monologue’s Purpose

Give Your Monologue Structure

Choose the Right Length For Your Monologue

Start to Write a Monologue With a Hook

What Makes a Good Monologue?

Can it Stand Alone?

Does it Add to the Story?

Character Profile and Character Development When You Write a Monologue

Does it Flow?

How to Get Better at Writing Monologues

Enjoy the Process When You Write a Monologue

Learn From the Pros

Expose Your Mind to Good Writing

Final Thoughts on How to Write a Monologue

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How to Write a Monologue in 7 Simple Steps

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Write a Monologue: Step-By-Step Guide

Step #1: Define the Purpose of the Monologue

Step #2: Develop Character Profile

Step #3: Identify the Audience

Step #4: Craft a Powerful Beginning

Step #5: Write the Middle Part

Step #6: Craft a Clear Ending

Step #7: Refine and Tweak

What is a Monologue?

Interior Monologue

Dramatic Monologue

Advanced Tips and Tricks to Write a Monologue

Final Remarks

How do I start writing a monologue?

Should I follow a specific structure for my monologue?

How long should a monologue be?

Can I use humor in a serious monologue?

How do I make my monologue authentic and relatable?

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