Who does the speaker address in a dramatic monologue?

In a dramatic monologue, the speaker addresses a silent or unresponsive listener, often an inanimate object or an absent person, to reveal their inner thoughts and emotions. This form of poetry allows for a deeply personal and introspective exploration of the speaker's character, motivations, and experiences. By directing their monologue toward a specific addressee, the speaker creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into their world and conveying their innermost feelings and conflicts.