I Have a Strange Thing in Me

Drawn from John Webster’s classical tragedy The White Devil, this dark monologue captures a chilling moment of introspection and supernatural dread. Flamineo begins alone, wrestling with uncharacteristic feelings of conscience and guilt after living a corrupt life at court. His brief moment of reflection is shattered by an encounter with the silent ghost of Brachiano, pushing him into a desperate confrontation with his own mortality and impending fate.

Flamineo is a sharp-witted, morally bankrupt courtier whose outward cynicism masks a turbulent internal world. Though he operates as a ruthless villain and anti-hero, this speech exposes the psychological toll of his past deeds and his struggle with unaccustomed feelings of compassion. When confronted by death itself, he shifts from uneasy contemplation into fierce defiance, masking his terror with dark wit and an unwavering resolve to pursue his dangerous goals.

This piece provides an actor with an extraordinary dramatic journey within a tight two-minute timeframe. It allows you to demonstrate command of classical heightened language while navigating sharp tonal shifts from quiet melancholy to raw terror and vengeful focus. Furthermore, it showcases your ability to hold an audience's attention during high-stakes supernatural drama without losing emotional truth.

This monologue is an excellent selection for male performers aged twenty-five to thirty-five who naturally fit intense, dark anti-hero or character actor types. It is exceptionally well suited for classical drama school auditions, monologue competitions, and general practice requiring commanding presence and vocal control.

Establish a stark contrast between your opening philosophical musings and the sudden shock of the apparition. Give the phantom a clear, consistent physical placement in your audition space, allowing your reactions to carry the eerie silence of the exchange. When the spirit throws earth upon you, commit fully to the sensory shock, letting that physical violation propel Flamineo from philosophical dread into dangerous, lethal resolve.