1. Length: Soliloquies are often extended speeches delivered by a single character, and they tend to be longer than regular dialogue.
2. Direct Address: Soliloquies often involve the character speaking directly to the audience or to themselves, creating an intimate and personal connection.
3. Emotional Intensity: Soliloquies usually reveal the character's inner thoughts and feelings, often conveying intense emotions such as anger, grief, love, or despair.
4. Lack of Interaction: During a soliloquy, there is typically no immediate response or interaction with other characters. The speaker is expressing their thoughts and emotions without expecting a direct reply.
5. Dramatic Purpose: Soliloquies are often used to advance the plot, reveal character development, or provide insight into the character's motivations and internal struggles.
6. Isolation or Seclusion: Soliloquies often occur when the character is alone or isolated, creating an opportunity for them to speak their mind freely without external interruption.
7. Theatrical Conventions: In plays, soliloquies may be indicated through specific stage directions or asides, allowing the audience to recognize when a character is speaking their mind without addressing anyone directly.
8. Introspective Nature: Soliloquies often contain introspective thoughts or reflections, as the character explores their own emotions, beliefs, or situations.
9. Literary Stylization: Soliloquies may use heightened language, poetic devices, or rhetorical flourishes to convey the intensity and depth of the character's thoughts.
10. Break from Dialogue: A soliloquy can disrupt the flow of regular dialogue, allowing the character to voice their innermost feelings or concerns without being immediately engaged in a conversation.
Soliloquies are a powerful tool in storytelling, as they offer a unique opportunity to delve into the inner workings of a character's mind and provide deeper insight into their motivations, emotions, and conflicts.