In drama, what is the purpose of a monologue?

A monologue is a lengthy speech delivered by a single character, often revealing their inner thoughts and emotions directly to the audience. This device allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the character's motivations, desires, and struggles, which are not always accessible through dialogue with other characters.

By providing insight into a character's thoughts, a monologue can create a more intimate connection between the character and the audience, helping to convey themes and deepen the emotional impact of the play. It can be pivotal in character development, showcasing their personal dilemmas and choices, thus inviting the audience to empathize with their experiences.

In contrast, other options highlight different aspects of drama: showing conflicting emotions typically involves interaction among characters; speaking directly to another character refers to dialogue; and resolving a plot conflict usually occurs through action or dialogue rather than through a character's internal reflection.