Monologue
In theatre, a monologue is presented by
a single character, most often to express
their mental thoughts aloud, though
sometimes also to directly address
another character or the audience.
Objective – what the character
wants
How can a character work to
achieve their objective?
Eggheads by Jimmy Brunelle
GWYNETH: Nice flowers. Nothing's wrong. I'm flying. Flying straight to
college on a nuclear powered rocket marked "mutant." (And you're not the
world's best dresser--you're missing a sock.) Alright, I’ll tell you, but you can't
tell anyone. You googily vow? You don't googily vow, then I don't tell.
Alright. (PAUSE) I'm a genius. I am. You know those tests we took a few
months ago? Well, I'm a genius--a certified, indisputable egghead. I knew
you'd be upset. That's why I didn't want to tell you. Now, you'll see me as an
egghead--everyone will. Especially when they send me to 7th grade next year.
That's my level. My parents are thinking of sending me to a special school
for eggheads. I'm an egghead--I can't believe it--I'm an egghead. This is awful.
7th? They'll eat me alive. And they won't even bother spitting me out. I saw a
show once, and the older kids had bacon and eggheads for breakfast AND
lunch. I’m dead. Dead.
• What is the character’s overall objective?
• What tactics does she use?
Example
• Little Red Riding Hood
Boy, you sure are pushy! I just met you and you’re
trying to ask me out! Geez! You’ve got some nerve!
First, my mom kicks me out of the house and sends
me to the BP station to get grandma some snacks,
then I run into you, you freak! All I wanted to do
was play Halo today on my Xbox-360!
Hey, what’s that? Modern Warfare 3! I’ve been
wanting that for months! I can have it? Awesome!
Fairy Tale Monologue
• Pick a fairy tale character
• The length 30-60 seconds long
MAKE SURE YOU THINK ABOUT THE FOLLOWING
WHEN YOU WRITE IT! (I’m looking for this)
• What does your character want?
• Why do they need to say this speech?
• What do they do to get what they want?
• Beginning, Middle, and End