Final answer:
A monologue is a speech delivered by a single character in a play to express their thoughts or to share a story with the audience.
Step-by-step explanation:
A monologue is a speech given by a single character in a play or another storytelling medium. Its purpose is to convey the character's thoughts or to tell a story directly to the audience, providing insight into the character's motives, feelings, and decisions. Unlike a dialogue, which involves two or more characters conversing, a monologue involves only one speaker.
It's important to distinguish between a monologue and a soliloquy. A soliloquy is also a speech by a single character, but it is delivered when the character is alone on stage, revealing their inner thoughts as if they are thinking out loud. Monologues, however, may be delivered to other characters who are present on stage or directly to the audience, as in the case of a dramatic monologue.
An example of a monologue in a play is one where a character speaks at length about their history, thoughts, or plans while other characters might be present but silent. This differs from dialogue, where multiple characters are actively participating in conversation.