What is a "monologue" in a play?

A monologue in a play refers to a speech delivered by a single character, which allows them to express their thoughts, feelings, or reflections directly to the audience or to other characters. This form of expression often provides deeper insights into the character's motivations and psychological state, serving to develop the narrative and reveal personal dilemmas or essential information that shapes the storyline.

In contrast, the other options describe different elements of dramatic structure. A conversation between two characters is known as a dialogue, which involves interaction and exchange of lines. A brief commentary about the play's theme does not fit the definition of a monologue, as it usually implies a summary or analytical remark rather than a character's direct expression. Finally, a scene with no dialogue would lack spoken words entirely, which diverges from the concept of a monologue that revolves around a single character's speech. Thus, the definition clearly aligns with the notion of a character's solo expression of their inner thoughts.