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monologue
Tragedy

Aaron Kills the Nurse

from Titus Andronicus

Written by William Shakespeare

Aaron the Moor outlines his ruthless plan to protect his illegitimate child with Empress Tamora by swapping the infant with a fair-skinned baby and murdering those who know the truth.

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AARON

O Lord, sir, 'tis a deed of policy:

Shall she live to betray this guilt of ours,

A long-tongued babbling gossip? no, lords, no:

And now be it known to you my full intent.

Not far, one Muli lives, my countryman;

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Scene Notes & Audition Tips

5 sections
About This Scene

Taken from William Shakespeare's tragedy *Titus Andronicus*, this dark classical monologue features Aaron outlining a deadly conspiracy. Having just eliminated the nurse, he reveals a calculating plot to protect his illegitimate newborn child fathered with Empress Tamora. Aaron directs his confederates to swap his baby with another infant and ensure any witnesses are swiftly removed, securing the child's survival and calming the court.

Character Analysis

Aaron is a ruthless villain who operates with razor-sharp intellect and unwavering nerve. While he is capable of cold-blooded murder and casual cruelty, his actions in this moment are fiercely motivated by a commitment to his child. He maintains total control over those around him, using manipulation and sheer willpower to bend dangerous circumstances to his advantage.

Why This Works for Auditions

Running roughly ninety seconds, this monologue offers actors a dynamic classical audition piece centered on intense status and active problem-solving. It demonstrates your command of heightened verse while showcasing an ability to present an anti-hero who is both terrifying and deeply focused. Because the stakes involve life, death, and political survival, audition panels get an immediate view of your emotional range, vocal control, and physical stillness.

Best Suited For

This monologue is ideal for male actors within the twenty-five to thirty-five age range seeking to showcase villainous, anti-hero, or intense casting types. It fits the demands of drama school auditions, classical monologues for theater competitions, and general classical practice. Performers looking to break away from traditional romantic leads will find this a powerful test of presence and vocal precision.

Performance Tips

Approach Aaron's pragmatic choices with steady logic rather than playing an exaggerated, theatrical monster. His violence is framed as policy and necessity, which means a quiet, chilling confidence is far more compelling than loud aggression. Keep your focus directed on managing the conspiracy step by step, allowing the protective fatherhood beneath the ruthlessness to fuel your objectives. Pay close attention to the rhythm of the language so your instructions remain crystal clear to the audience.

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