ABSTRACT
A monologue is a speech performed by one person. Monologues are most often written from a human perspective, but they can also be written to reflect the views of animals, plants, and inanimate objects. A well-written monologue is long enough and contains enough details for an actor to assume a personality and develop a character through actions and vocal intonation. Many acting agencies require actors to perform memorized monologues, or they may even assign a monologue for actors to prepare in a timed setting. Preparing and performing a monologue requires the actor to completely understand the character in the script and to portray that character in a believable way. By performing monologues, students practice reading fluently, using vocal inflection, speaking at the proper rate, and speaking clearly. Monologues are written and performed to inform, entertain, express an opinion, or persuade. Students can easily be taught to write and perform their own monologues, because monologues are narratives.
