Gloucester: I Like Not This Unnatural Dealing

In this intense classical monologue from William Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, Gloucester speaks in confidence to his son Edmund. Facing a fractured political landscape marked by division between the dukes, Gloucester reveals that he has received a dangerous letter and intends to secretly aid his old master, the mistreated king. Knowing the immense danger and the threat to his own life, he enlists Edmund to distract the authorities while he sets out on his covert mission of loyalty.

Gloucester is an authoritative patriarch caught between self-preservation and deep moral duty. While the surrounding world collapses into treachery and unnatural politics, his loyalty to his sovereign remains steadfast, even in the face of death. His tragic vulnerability lies in his misplaced trust, believing he is confiding safely in his son while navigating treacherous political intrigue.

Running around one minute, this speech delivers immediate stakes, urgency, and quiet defiance without requiring excessive exposition. It allows an actor to demonstrate mastery of classical text while maintaining grounded, conversational intimacy rather than grand oratory. Audition panels can readily see your ability to handle tension, high political risk, and deeply felt personal allegiance in a compact timeframe.

This piece is ideal for mature performers and character actors in the forty-five to fifty-five age bracket who fit patriarch or authority figure casting types. It serves as an exceptional classical monologue for drama school auditions, acting competitions, and general audition practice. Actors looking to showcase emotional restraint, gravitas, and quiet danger will find it particularly rewarding.

Focus on the conspiratorial nature of the scene by treating your unseen listener as someone you fully trust with your life. Keep the delivery urgent, whispered, and dangerous rather than declamatory, letting the fear of discovery propel your thoughts forward. Clearly separate the tactical instructions you give from the unshakeable sense of honor that compels you to risk death for your master.