Continuing with the same monologue that you used in the last exercise, you are now going to look at how you can develop your performance. As an actor, it is important that you understand how your character speaks. It might be very different to the way you would usually speak. Look through your text and try to answer the following questions about your character:

• Do they speak in long or short sentences? Do they use metaphors or are they very literal? Do they use slang words?
• Does the character use humour, and how and why do they use humour?
• Think about who the character is talking to, a friend or a stranger – how does this affect the way they speak? Are they confiding in someone or confronting them? Are they confronting themselves?
• Is your character introspective at any point during the monologue?
• If they become emotional – angry/tearful/terrified – do they try to hold back?
• How is the emotion released?

Spend some time thinking about your character’s language, intention and emotion. Make notes and practise speaking your monologue as many times as you need.