- Definition
A monologue is when one character in a play gives a long speech, usually sharing their thoughts and feelings with the audience.
In a play about a historical event, a character giving a long speech to a crowd about their hopes for the future is a monologue.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A monologue is like a character's diary entry spoken out loud, giving us a peek directly into their thoughts and feelings.
Ask your child: What secret or big feeling is this character finally telling us in this speech?
Common mix-up: A monologue is an extended speech by one character. It may share thoughts, persuade an audience, or move the action forward; a private speech to the audience is more specifically called a soliloquy.
Examples
- A villain explaining their entire evil plan to the captured hero.
- An actor playing a famous leader delivering a powerful historical speech within a play.
monologue is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
