Play
monologue
Comedy-Drama

Patsy's Wedding Day Plea

from Little Murders

Written by Jules Feiffer

On her wedding day, Patsy confronts her nihilistic and passive fiancé, Alfred. She desperately pleads with him to engage with life and allow her to mold him into the man she needs.

Start a free 7-day trial — 5 downloads a day, unlimited when Pro begins

Rehearse on your terms

Take this monologue into rehearsal and work through it at your own pace.

Scene PreviewExcerpt — subscribe to read full scene

PATSY

Honey, I don't want to hurt you. I want to change you. I want to make you see that there is some value in life, that there is some beauty, some tenderness, some things worth reacting to. Some things worth feeling. But you've got to take some chances some time! What do you want out of life? Just survival? It's not enough! It's not, not, not enough!

End of preview. Continue with Pro below.

7 days freeYour next rehearsal starts here

Found your next scene? Make it yours.

Start your free trial and read Patsy's Wedding Day Plea in full, with access to 1,000+ monologues and scenes to explore next.

  • Read the full scene and explore the library
  • Download your script in a clean, printable format
  • Take it into rehearsal with the Script Reader
Casting Types

Director's Notes

🎯 Character objectives🎭 Emotional beats💡 Audition tips
Unlock Director's Notes
Get Feedback
Coming Soon

Want expert coaching on this scene?

Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.

Find a Coach

Need representation?

Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.

Scene Notes & Audition Tips

5 sections
About This Scene

This two-minute monologue features Patsy on her wedding day, desperately confronting her fiancé, Alfred. The scene is a powerful blend of comedy and drama, highlighting Patsy's profound vulnerability and growing desperation as she attempts to ignite a spark in her passive partner. It's a fantastic opportunity for an actress to showcase a wide emotional range within a compressed timeframe, moving from tender appeals to impassioned demands.

Character Analysis

Patsy is a woman teetering on the edge of her own hopes and fears for the future, deeply invested in the success of her impending marriage. Despite her initial declaration of not wanting to hurt Alfred, her underlying frustration and need for him to engage genuinely with life drive her increasingly urgent pleas. She views herself as capable of transforming him, demonstrating a blend of romantic idealism and a perhaps naive belief in her own influence. Her nihilistic fiancé presents a significant emotional hurdle that she is determined to overcome, revealing her own desire for meaning and connection.

Why This Works for Auditions

"Patsy's Wedding Day Plea" is an excellent choice for auditions because it demonstrates a nuanced performance combining comedic timing with dramatic depth. The monologue offers a clear arc, starting with a gentler approach and escalating into a passionate outcry, allowing actors to display significant emotional commitment and dynamic shifts in tone. The vulnerable and romantic undertones, coupled with the comedic absurdity of the situation, create a memorable and impactful impression on casting directors.

Best Suited For

This monologue is particularly well-suited for actresses in the 25-35 age range who can embody the archetypes of a Leading Lady, Ingenue, or Romantic Lead with a dramatic edge. Its exploration of vulnerability and desperation makes it ideal for actors comfortable delving into complex emotional states and expressing strong personal resolve. It is perfect for drama school auditions, agent showcases, self-tapes, and general practice, offering a concise yet comprehensive acting challenge.

Performance Tips

When approaching this monologue, focus on Patsy's underlying subtext of fear and hope for her future with Alfred. Build the intensity gradually, allowing her initial tenderness to naturally give way to her increasing frustration and desperation. Pay close attention to the rhythm of the language, particularly the repetitive phrases, which can be used to emphasize her growing urgency and emotional investment. Remember to highlight the comedic elements rooted in the sheer absurdity of her situation, using them to enhance the dramatic moments rather than undermine them.

Explore this topic