Dramatic monologue

1. Dramatic
Monologue
The “Persona Poem”

2. Origins
Technique can be seen in a lot of
ancient Greek dramas
Became popular as a form of poetry in
the Victorian era with the poet, Robert
Browning (Father of the Dramatic
Monologue)

3. Features
An audience is implied – We know
someone is listening, but the speaker
never comes right out and says it
There is no dialogue – A monologue
is not a conversation!
The poet is speaking through an
assumed voice – usually some sort of
fictional identity (i.e. a character)

4. Features (cont.)
The dramatic monologue stands alone
– the poet does not offer any direct
analysis or commentary
The audience is left to interpret the
character’s actions/motivations

5. Purpose
To give insight into the character’s
personality
To indicate to the reader the
character’s background or history

6. Purpose
To give insight into the character’s
personality
To indicate to the reader the
character’s background or history