Grant Community High School
Drama II
Original Monologue Project
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Character Development
Monologue Rough Draft
Monologue Final Copy
Monologue Preparation
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/20
/35
/15
Due: Jan 21
Due: Jan 28
Due: Feb. 2
Due: Feb 4
Late assignments will lose 5 points per day!
Performances begin Feb 4
Drama II
Monologue Assignment
Monologues: A monologue is a one-person scene that offers the audience special insights
into the character. Sometimes monologues or soliloquies are used in plays to advance the
plot by revealing the characters inner thoughts and feelings.
Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The memorization of dramatic text written by the student.
Development of character.
Interpretation of character.
Dramatic use of voice expression and projection.
Dramatic use of movement.
The students will carefully select and wear a costume during the performance to
enhance the dramatic monologue.
7. The creation of original written text produced by the student.
Assignment:
The student is to create a 5-10 minute dramatic monologue and perform it in front of
his/her peers. The object is to develop a scene that shows a character experience conflict
or a dilemma. The monologue will be evaluated using the following criteria.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Costume and props
Memorization
Movement (gesture and blocking)
Voice (expression and projection)
Character
Concentration and focus
DRAMA II
Developing a Monologue
1. Brainstorm character ideas and write them down on paper. Here are a few
examples:
1. Hot dog salesperson
2. An elite athlete
3. A soldier
4. Angry parent
2. Try improvising the character in front of a mirror or with a friend.
3. Write a character analysis (Character sketch).
4. Write down some possible conflicts or dilemmas your character could have. The
conflict may not be obvious. A monologue is the perfect dramatic form to reveal
an inner conflict. Surprises in a monologue are wonderful. What unexpected
details can the audience learn about your character?
5. Talk about your character with someone else. Show them the character.
6. Improvise the conflict and allow the character to find a resolution to their
problem.
7. Decide where the monologue takes place. One place is best.
8. Decide on a costume for your character.
9. Write your monologue.
10. Block (precise stage movements) your monologue.
11. Write your monologue with blocking notes.
12. Write your final copy (use a computer if you have one – we will have lab days)
13. Rehearse!
14. Rehearse!
15. Rehearse!
Note: Some students like to start by writing something and work from a written text. This
is fine provided the written text is allowed to change and develop as the character in the
monologue grows.
Things NOT to do in Monologues
Please do not create monologues that contain or are about the following:
1. Any monologue that ends in suicide or is about attempting suicide.
2. Monologues about not knowing what to do a monologue on.
3. Monologues that are copied off a movie or the Internet – no plagiarism or
adaptations!
4. Monologues that put-down or could be interpreted as hurtful to a peer or staff
member in the school.
5. Do not leave your audience with an empty stag; in others words no voice overs
If you are not sure about the content of your monologue just check with the teacher
before you submit it for assessment.
Drama II
Character Development
Answer the following questions in your journal:
1. Character’s Name
2. Age
3. Home life – family, pets, etc.
4. Favorite Food
5. Music tastes
6. Favorite outfit – typical clothing your character wears
7. Hobbies
8. Career
9. Biggest Secret
10. General Attitude/Attitudes
11. List 3 movement qualities of your character.
12. Write 3 words that describe your character’s voice.
13. Who is important to your character?
14. What is important to your character?
15. Write one event that is important from your character’s past.
16. What does your character want?
17. Write a short character sketch about your character: Physical characteristics
(movement, voice, etc.)
18. What is your character’s present situation?
19. Historical background.
Monologue Rough Draft
Answer the following questions in your journal before you start.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Where is your character at the time of the monologue (setting)?
When in the characters life is the monologue taking place?
What does your character want?
What stage business does your character engage in?
What emotions do you want your audience to feel when the watch your
monologue?
Advice
One Location
Real time – make the monologue active
Format – Your rough draft must:
1. Be 200-250 handwritten or typed words (dialogue) in length and simple stage
directions.
2. Be written on 8.5” X 11” lined loose leaf.
3. Have a title.
4. Have you first and last name and period in the top right corner of the page.
5. Stapled in the top left corner.
6. Staple the above journal questions to draft.
7. Include a stage plot (a top-view drawing of the stage).
Criteria: The following must be evident in this draft of your monologue:
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An opening that engages the audience.
Setting
Character qualities
Conflict or problem
How the character works through the problem.
Monologue Preparation – think about these questions, as the answers will help you
prepare for your performance.
1. Memorization: What strategies will you use to memorize your
monologue?
2. Physicality: What is the nature of your characters physicality and how will
you achieve this?
3. Vocal: What is interesting about your character’s voice? How will you
make change your voice to suit your character?
4. Voice Projection: What techniques will you use to project your voice in
the AV room? How will you know you are loud enough?
5. Items you will need: What props, furniture, and/or costumes will you need
to have to make your monologue a success?
Monologue Final Copy
Submit the final copy on the due date according to the following criteria.
1. Your name in the top right corner.
2. Staple in the top left corner if more than one page
3. Include a short character description starting with the characters name after the
title.
4. Double-spaced format.
5. Font: Times New Roman – 12 point
6. Stage directions or blocking notes in the script where appropriate.
Opening
/5
Conflict
/5
Resolution
/5
Ending
/5
Character Development
/5
Spelling and grammar
/5
Total
/35