Which term describes a line spoken by a character to the audience revealing inner thoughts, often while alone?

• A. Soliloquy
• B. Monologue
• C. Aside
• D. Stage directions

Answer: (A)

A soliloquy is a line spoken by a character directly to the audience that reveals their inner thoughts, typically while alone or convinced that no one onstage can hear them. This device lets the audience access the character’s private reasoning and feelings, advancing the story from the inside. An aside, by contrast, is a brief remark to the audience that other characters on stage do not hear, usually tucked into the action. A monologue is a long speech by one character to others on stage, but it isn’t necessarily about exposing inner thoughts or spoken while alone. Stage directions are not spoken lines at all; they guide actions and movements in the script.