soliloquy
What does "soliloquy" mean?
A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their inner thoughts aloud while alone on stage. Imagine a spotlight narrowing down to one person who is revealing their deepest secrets, fears, or plans to the audience, oblivious to anyone else—or perhaps just speaking to the empty air. In practice, this term is almost exclusively used in the context of theater and literature. While you might occasionally hear it used metaphorically in conversation to describe someone "thinking out loud," it carries a heavy, intellectual tone and is rarely used in casual daily chatter.
"soliloquy" in conversation
Discussing a play
The lead actor's soliloquy in the third act was absolutely chilling.
The lead actor's soliloquy in the third act was absolutely chilling.
I agree, you could hear a pin drop in the theater during that speech.
I agree, you could hear a pin drop in the theater during that speech.
Used here to describe a specific formal performance element.
Analyzing a character
Why do you think Shakespeare chose a soliloquy here instead of a dialogue?
Why do you think Shakespeare chose a soliloquy here instead of a dialogue?
It lets us see his true motivations without the influence of other characters.
It lets us see his true motivations without the influence of other characters.
Common in academic discussions about character development.
"soliloquy" in a sentence
The actor practiced his soliloquy in front of the mirror.
The actor practiced his soliloquy in front of the mirror.
In the famous soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence.
In the famous soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence.
Her long, rambling monologue felt less like a conversation and more like a solitary soliloquy.
Her long, rambling monologue felt less like a conversation and more like a solitary soliloquy.
