Final answer:
A dramatic monologue is a speech delivered by a single speaker in the presence of other characters, exposing their thoughts and psychology to the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dramatic monologue is a type of poetic or theatrical speech delivered by a single speaker who reveals their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience. Unlike a soliloquy, where the speaker is alone on stage, in a dramatic monologue other characters may be present but do not interact with the speaker. This form allows readers or viewers to delve into the psychological depth of the speaker. A famous example of a dramatic monologue is Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," where the Duke speaks about his deceased wife while revealing his own tyrannical and possessive nature.
Dialogue involves conversation between two or more characters, whereas monologue refers to a lengthy speech by one character in the presence of others. A dramatic monologue is distinct from dialogue in that it focuses on a single character's speech. Understanding these distinctions is vital in the analysis of character within theatrical and poetic works.