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 might choose to 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 for an extended period, a soliloquy is typically delivered when the character is alone on stage (or believes they are alone), allowing for a more intimate and candid expression of their innermost thoughts. This format gives the audience insight into the character's psyche, revealing motivations, dilemmas, and emotions that may not be shared with other characters.

In contrast, a monologue may be directed to other characters or the audience and can serve a variety of purposes, such as providing exposition or developing themes. However, the soliloquy is more focused on inner thoughts, making it a powerful tool for understanding a character's true self.