Here is a well-developed monologue a Creative Writing student did for her Quotation-Based Thematic Exam. Notice the well-placed stage directions and how the author uses character actions to create unique “nervous ticks” or behaviors. Also notice the character’s consistent speech patterns and word choices. There’s even a nice touch at the end with the implied theme – perhaps ironic – in the radio message playing in the background. As you no doubt guessed, this received an A.

(The stage is set with a wall with a window, a stool, and a table with a radio sitting on top all under the window. Nya, in a sixties outfit, walks in, throws her keys on the table, and sits down.)

Nya:

I can’t stand stupid people! I mean, they always manage to wind their way in front of you when you’re driving. And you can’t get around ‘em! Seriously now, you can’t go 30 in a 40! You just can’t.

(Nya stands up as she peaks in frustration.)

Stupid people shouldn’t be allowed to drive.

But that’s not even the real problem. The real problem is people who think that they own the road. They think that they are indestructible and that no one should get in their way. They’re so selfish!

(She is pacing now.)

Why can’t people just be nice and try to get along?! I know that sounds childish and naïve, but it’s so simple and so true! Children got it easy. I mean, they’re taught to share and (using quotation fingers) “play nice.” When they grow up, they’re taught survival of the fittest.

(Nya sits down and takes a breath. She picks up her keys and fiddles with them.)

You never see people doing things for each other anymore. I know there are groups that do things like Habitat for Humanity and Meals On Wheels and things like that, but there aren’t nearly enough to help everyone! When the opportunity arises to help, people-society-brush it off and give some lame-ass excuse to make themselves feel better.

(She stands up and throws her arms in the air, flinging the keys.)

What about all the helpless people who will never feel better? All they ask for is a little help-a moment of their time and attention. But no. No one helps.

It’s always me, me, me! Never “What can I do for you, ma’am?” (She imitates a polite child with a sincere smile.) Everyone is so concerned with their own self-satisfaction that they just happen to overlook the bare essentials of the less fortunate people!

(Nya screams in frustration and sits back down.)

But what am I saying? I’m the living hypocrite! I’ve passed up chances to volunteer. I’ve said, “no, I have to watch me little niece today.”

(She sighs.)

Who am I to talk?

(She pauses to think.)

But I do do things for others-in my own way. I do all the little things. I do more than a lot of people! A lot of people sit and ignore all the problems.

(Nya stands up and paces again.)

I’m not saying that everyone has to do everything for all the less fortunate people of the world. That’s the extreme. A happy medium would work. Just help one person-or more if you can-when the chance comes along.

Society just ignores it. You can’t just ignore it. I can’t at least. I mean, like, what’s wrong with them? The people who don’t offer to help. It’s just not right.

(Nya sits down and turns the radio on. A speech is in progress: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” The scene fades to the crackling of the radio.)