The main difference between a monologue and a soliloquy lies in the context and audience for the speech.
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Monologue: This is a speech given by a single character in the presence of others. It can be addressed to another character or to an audience within the play or narrative. The speaker is often trying to convey thoughts, emotions, or information that contributes to the plot or character development. Monologues can occur in various contexts, such as in theatre, film, or literature.
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Soliloquy: This is a specific type of monologue where a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage (or believes they are alone), often sharing inner feelings and reflections with the audience. Soliloquies are used to provide insight into a character's mind, motivations, and conflicts. They are commonly found in dramatic literature, especially in plays, such as in works by Shakespeare.
In summary, all soliloquies are monologues, but not all monologues are soliloquies. The key distinction is that soliloquies are delivered when the character is alone or thinks they are alone, allowing for an intimate revelation of their internal thoughts.
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