How to Write a Monologue Essay

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A monologue essay allows you to put a creative spin on a traditional essay. The monologue, given by a sole narrator, allows the author to reflect on an incident or an issue and express her views uninterrupted to her audience. A monologue could be spoken aloud or thought silently. While a monologue essay will need organization and flow as a traditional essay does, it will also be more creative and personal.

  • Paper
  • Pen
  • Book for reference

1 Determine the point

Determine the point of view from which you will write the monologue and the event the monologue will focus around. If a character is accused of a crime in the story, for example, the monologue can take place just after the accusation is made and illustrate the character's reaction to it.

2 Brainstorm character traits about the selected character

Brainstorm character traits about the selected character. Jot down notes on significant events and people in the life of the character as well.

3 Form

Form a conclusion from your notes and brainstorming about how the character will generally react and feel about the situation you are composing the monologue about.

Draft your first attempt at the essay. Begin with thoughts or quotes that directly reflect upon whatever event you are reacting to with the monologue. This will form the introduction of the essay.

Write the mid-portion of the essay by pondering, aloud or introspectively, the ideas and possibilities surrounding the event. In this portion the character will discuss with himself the possible reasons for an event, the reactions of others and his own feelings.

Form the conclusion of the essay by having your character form his own conclusion. The conclusion, depending on the character himself as well as the situation, could draw a conclusion that there is no conclusion. He may decide to let his anger, resentment or sadness go and instead accept the events as a part of life. Great leeway can be taken with this assignment due to its subjective nature.

Reread the draft and then rewrite the draft fixing any grammatical errors and adding or removing sentences to give the piece clarity and flow.

Michelle Barry graduated from Salve Regina University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Since then, she has worked as a reporter for the Wilbraham-Hampden Times, an editor for Month9Books and Evolved Publishing, editor and has spent the past seven years in marketing and graphic design. She also has an extensive background in dance.

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