Monologue vs. Soliloquy — What's the Difference?

An uninterrupted series of remarks or ideas.

A literary or dramatic form resembling a monologue.

A literary composition in the form of a soliloquy.

A speech in a drama where a character talks to themselves.

A prolonged speech in a conversation, overshadowing others.

A character expressing inner thoughts aloud when alone.

In theatre, a monologue (from Greek: μονόλογος, from μόνος mónos, "alone, solitary" and λόγος lógos, "speech") is a speech presented by a single character, most often to express their thoughts aloud, though sometimes also to directly address another character or the audience. Monologues are common across the range of dramatic media (plays, films, etc.), as well as in non-dramatic media such as poetry.

A device used to convey a character's internal struggles.

A long speech by one actor in a play or film, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast programme

A soliloquy (, from Latin solo "to oneself" + loquor "I talk", plural soliloquies) is a monologue addressed to oneself, thoughts spoken out loud without addressing another.Soliloquies are used as a device in drama to let a character make their thoughts known to the audience, address it directly or take it into their confidence. English Renaissance drama used soliloquies to great effect, such as in the soliloquy "To be, or not to be", the centerpiece of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

A lengthy, uninterrupted speech by a single character, as in a play or novel.

An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play

A literary composition in monologue form.

A monologue, especially in a play, that is delivered by a character who is alone or unaware of the presence of other characters and that reveals the thoughts or feelings of that character.

A continuous series of jokes or comic stories delivered by one comedian.

The act of speaking to oneself.

A long speech made by one person, often monopolizing a conversation.

(drama) The act of a character speaking to themselves so as to reveal their thoughts to the audience.

To give or perform a monologue.

(authorship) A speech or written discourse in this form.

To address a monologue to.

To issue a soliloquy.

A long speech by one person in a play; sometimes a soliloquy; other times spoken to other characters.

The act of talking to one's self; a discourse made by one in solitude to one's self; monologue.

(comedy) A long series of comic stories and jokes as an entertainment.

A written composition, reciting what it is supposed a person says to himself.

A long, uninterrupted utterance that monopolizes a conversation.

Speech you make to yourself

To deliver a monologue.

A (usually long) dramatic speech intended to give the illusion of unspoken reflections

A speech uttered by a person alone; soliloquy; also, talk or discourse in company, in the strain of a soliloquy; as, an account in monologue.

An act of speaking one's thoughts regardless of hearers.

A dramatic composition for a single performer.

Speech you make to yourself

A long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)

A (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor

Extended speech by a single speaker in a drama or narrative.

A comedic routine or speech by a solo performer.

Soliloquies give insight into a character's inner thoughts and emotions.

Yes, every soliloquy is a type of monologue, but not every monologue is a soliloquy.

While less common than in classic plays, soliloquies still appear in modern drama.

While stylized, soliloquies aim to capture the essence of inner contemplation.

Yes, monologues can be addressed directly to the audience.

Length varies; it can be brief or extend for several minutes.

Yes, monologues can be comedic, dramatic, or anywhere in between.

Any character can deliver a soliloquy, often the protagonist or a key character.

Yes, monologues can appear in narratives, stand-up routines, or even casual conversations.

To provide insight, background, or perspective through a single character's speech.

No, by definition, a monologue is delivered by a single person.

Look for an extended speech by a single character without interruption.

Yes, they can be found in novels, poems, and other literary forms.

Not necessarily, though they do directly address the audience in some instances.

To focus on a character's internal dialogue and deeper emotions.