Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

Othello

by William Shakespeare

Roderigo, distraught over Desdemona's marriage to Othello, contemplates suicide. Iago, however, dissuades him, instead manipulating Roderigo into believing he can still win Desdemona by following Iago's schemes and enriching himself.

Othello

by William Shakespeare

Iago attempts to provoke Othello against Brabantio, but Othello remains calm and confident in his actions and reputation. They discuss Othello's recent marriage and the potential repercussions from Desdemona's powerful father.

Othello

by William Shakespeare

Iago and Roderigo discuss their shared hatred for Othello. Iago reveals his resentment for being passed over for promotion in favor of Michael Cassio, and outlines his deceptive plan to use Roderigo to serve his own ends. They then proceed to rouse Brabantio, Desdemona's father, to inform him of her elopement with Othello.

King Lear

by William Shakespeare

King Lear, enraged by Cordelia's refusal to flatter him, disinherits her. Kent attempts to intervene, urging Lear to reconsider his rash decision and see the truth in Cordelia's honesty. Lear, however, is unyielding and banishes Kent for his defiance.

King Lear

by William Shakespeare

King Lear demands Cordelia declare her love for him to receive her inheritance. Cordelia, unwilling to flatter him, states her love is according to her duty, leading Lear to disinherit and disown her in a fit of rage.

Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

A melancholic Romeo confides in his cousin Benvolio about his unrequited love for Rosaline. Benvolio attempts to offer comfort and practical advice, while Romeo uses poetic oxymorons to express the painful duality of his romantic obsession.

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

Prospero interrogates Ariel about the success of the shipwreck before a tense confrontation regarding Ariel's freedom. Prospero uses psychological manipulation and the threat of further imprisonment to remind Ariel of their debt, ultimately promising liberty in exchange for two more days of service.

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

Prospero questions Ariel about the magical shipwreck he orchestrated, seeking confirmation that his enemies have been safely but terrifyingly dispersed. The scene shifts from a celebratory report of magical prowess to a tense power struggle as Ariel demands the freedom Prospero promised. The emotional stakes involve the balance between master and servant and the beginning of Prospero's final plan for justice.

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

Prospero finally reveals the truth of their past to his daughter, Miranda, explaining how they were usurped and exiled to the island. The scene balances Miranda's empathetic distress over a recent shipwreck with Prospero's intense need to justify his magical actions and reclaim his lost legacy.

Richard III

by William Shakespeare

Richard uses manipulative rhetoric and high-stakes vulnerability to woo Lady Anne over the corpse of her father-in-law. He offers her his sword and invites her to kill him, claiming his murderous actions were driven entirely by his desperate love for her beauty.

As You Like It

by William Shakespeare

Rosalind, disguised as the youth Ganymede, attempts to convince Orlando that love is a treatable mental illness. She proposes a complex game where Orlando must woo 'him' as if he were his beloved Rosalind, claiming this role-play will eventually cure his heartache.

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

Macbeth experiences a crisis of conscience regarding the plot to murder King Duncan, but Lady Macbeth ruthlessly questions his manhood and resolve. She presents a meticulous plan to frame the King's chamberlains, eventually convincing Macbeth to proceed with the assassination.

Hamlet

by William Shakespeare

Hamlet confronts Ophelia, denying his former love for her and spiraling into a bitter tirade against marriage and womanhood. Ophelia watches in despair as the man she loved appears to descend into madness.

Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

In one of the most iconic scenes in Western literature, Romeo and Juliet profess their love for one another across a balcony. Despite the danger of their feuding families, they exchange vows and plan to marry in secret.

Othello

by William Shakespeare

In the final act of the tragedy, Othello confronts Desdemona in her bedchamber, accusing her of infidelity with Cassio. Despite her desperate pleas of innocence and requests for mercy, Othello's jealousy drives him to carry out his plan to murder her.

Twelfth Night

by William Shakespeare

Viola, disguised as the page Cesario, arrives at Olivia's estate to deliver a message of love from Duke Orsino. The two engage in a witty battle of words as Olivia remains unimpressed by the rehearsed speech, eventually leading to Olivia unveiling her face.

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

Following the public shaming of Hero at her wedding, Beatrice and Benedick finally confess their love for one another. However, the romantic atmosphere shifts instantly when Beatrice demands that Benedick prove his love by killing his close friend.

Hamlet

by William Shakespeare

Hamlet confronts Ophelia, oscillating between cruel rejection and existential despair. He denies his former love for her and commands her to enter a convent to avoid the corruption of the world.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

by William Shakespeare

Hermia and Lysander lament the difficulties of their forbidden love before Lysander proposes a plan to flee Athens and marry in secret at his aunt's house. They exchange vows of loyalty and agree to meet in the woods the following night.

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

Macbeth expresses his hesitation to proceed with the murder of King Duncan, citing the King's recent honors toward him. Lady Macbeth fiercely questions his manhood and resolve, ultimately convincing him to commit to the assassination.

Romeo and Juliet

by William Shakespeare

In the most iconic scene in Western literature, Romeo lingers in the Capulet garden and discovers Juliet at her window. They exchange vows of love and contemplate the burden of their family names in a secret, late-night encounter.

The Taming of the Shrew

by William Shakespeare

Petruchio attempts to woo the headstrong Katherine through a series of rapid-fire verbal jousts and puns. Despite Katherine's sharp insults and rejection, Petruchio counters every barb with wit and persistence.

Julius Caesar

by William Shakespeare

Portia confronts her husband, Brutus, about his recent erratic behavior and secretive late-night meetings. She pleads with him to share his burdens, arguing that as his wife, she deserves to know the secrets weighing on his mind.

The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare

Portia pleads with Bassanio to delay his choice of the caskets, fearing she will lose him if he chooses incorrectly. Bassanio insists on making his choice immediately, comparing his suspense to being tortured on the rack.