C3 - MONOLOGUES

 Monologues has come up A LOT in the past, so be prepared for this. Make sure you are totally familiar with what a monologue's conventions are, and USE THEM.

1. Establishing stage directions (in brackets). This can include all manner of symbolic inclusions such as elements of setting, lighting, sound, props and costume. Anything you mention MUST be symbolic or useful in some way. Here is a good example of what they could look like...

(Lights come up on a woman in her 30s sitting in a darkened dining room of a grubby bedsit. The curtains are drawn, allowing only a small sliver of light to stream through. The light has a dull tone to it, implying it is raining outside. The lone song of one bird can be heard faintly outside).

2. Embed other stage directions within the monologue. If there are any lines that you want to be delivered in a certain way, say so before the line. For example, "(In a depressed manner)" or "(Nervously scratching her wrist)

3. Look through everything this person says. A monologue should sound like a real person. Make sure that what you write is not too 'flowery' or literary. It should sound like what a person would actually say

4. Consider a scene change. Monologues often show a character starting in one mood or state, and then a later scene shows a development in their circumstances. Maybe a sense of optimism could be introduced, or the character could realise something or begin to cope with something? Or they could end up running away from something and be in a totally different setting.

Also, remember that monologues should be from a FIRST PERSON perspective, always be speaking in PAST TENSE and should NEVER feature dialogue with another person.

For example...

Every single day, it's the same. That boss of mine just does not know when to give up. I got into work this morning, and he was already there at the doorstep waiting for me telling me I'm 'late'. 

'By literally TWO MINUTES' I snapped at him. 

'Late is late' he snarled back at me. I just wish someone would wipe the smile off his face.

(Fade to black)

(New scene....)