How to Write a Monologue

Video Transcript

"In this clip we're going to be talking about how to write a monologue, if you dare. So, you're going to make, you're going to write your own monologue, o.k. Here's some things that you need to keep in mind. One, generally, if you're writing a monologue, I hope that you have some sort of writing experience, or know that you can write stuff, because usually monologues aren't as easy as they seem to write. Generally, one- you need to keep in mind is that they cannot be too long. You need to make sure your monologue is maybe a page long, not longer than two pages, because monologues need to be delivered within about two minutes, give or take a little less, a little more time. And, that includes different, you know, pauses, beats that are included in the monologue. But, basically when you're writing a monologue, you need to make sure you also determine you have one character, whether it be male, or female, and usually this character is dealing with some sort of situation, whether it be relationship, whether it be their personal life, whether it be something that's bugging them. And, depending on where you start off with this monologue, make sure you determine if it's going to be funny, or if it's going to be dramatic, or if it's going to be subtle. But, when you're writing this monologue, it needs to go from one place to another, as far as like this character has to have a discovery, or they have to realize something about themselves, or someone else that gives the actor whose presenting the monologue a chance to really show off different variations of their art. Whether they need to be sad, or if they need to be excited, or if they need to you know, they need to show whoever is watching them perform this monologue some sort of variations of what they can do, because your monologue is what is going to give that actor the tool to get the job they need. So, even though it's up to the actor to preform your monologue, make sure you don't give them stuff that they can't work with. So, that's how you're going to be able to write a monologue."