17. Monologues: To be, or not to be

Homework

We’ve warned you of the potential dangers of monologue writing – but you’ve been so inspired by monologues that you just have to write one. “We can never take . . . your freedom!” – Braveheart

Task 1

Pull those heartstrings!

Write an active monologue. Then, write a narrative monologue. They don’t need to be about the idea you’re working on; this is just an exercise.

Then find as many different possible ways to explain what has been explained in your monologue. This is good practice when you feel compelled to write a monologue; that way you’ll have some ideas on top for other ways of conveying information in screenplays.

Task 2

Be the literary surgeon you were destined to be.

On YouTube, study the best monologues of all time. What is it specifically that makes you feel something, makes a statement, or aids the meaning of the story? Type your favorite monologue out.

Would this monologue still make sense if you removed any words? Now ask yourself the same question for the monologues you wrote in Task 1.

Next step

Feeling the pressure? Got some itchy fingers? It’s time to jump in and write the first half of the second act (Act 2A) of your movie. You can do it – we’re rooting for you!