Why would a playwright use a soliloquy instead of a monologue ? (

Question

to reveal the character's true motivation and most honest feelings
to give the audience historical context about the setting of the play
to develop an idea the playwright wants the audience to know about
to inform the audience about how one character feels about another

Answer 1

A playwright would typically use a soliloquy instead of a monologue primarily to reveal the character's true motivation and most honest feelings.

While both soliloquies and monologues involve a single character speaking at length, a soliloquy is specifically a speech delivered by a character who is alone on stage (or who thinks they are alone), allowing them to express their inner thoughts and emotions candidly. This can provide profound insight into the character's motivations, conflicts, and dilemmas. In contrast, a monologue may be delivered in the presence of other characters and can serve a variety of purposes, such as advancing the plot, showcasing a particular idea, or informing the audience about relationships.

Overall, soliloquies are particularly effective in conveying personal reflection and intimate feelings, making them a valuable tool for character development.