MARTIN: I am not a bad guy! I just have a bad personality. It’s not my fault. Some people are born with f****d personalities. Look at Jake. He is so creepy. It’s not his fault! Why the bassoon? You want to know what the bassoon is!? It’s a cry for help!
Season 2 Episode 6 — I am not a bad guy! — Fleabag
In a desperate and pathetic attempt to save his marriage, Martin lists his minor domestic contributions while acknowledging his 'bad personality' and alcohol problem. He ultimately insults his wife after she literally begs him to leave.
Format: Monologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Fleabag · Author: Phoebe Waller-Bridge · Characters: Martin
About This Scene
This monologue features Martin from the critically acclaimed television series Fleabag, renowned for its distinctive and modern storytelling. In this moment, Martin makes a desperate and somewhat pathetic plea to his wife, attempting to salvage their strained marriage. He tries to justify his behavior by distinguishing between having a “bad personality” and being a “bad guy,” while acknowledging his struggles with alcohol.
Character Analysis
Martin is a complex character operating from a place of profound desperation and self-pity. He is clearly aware of his negative impact on those around him, yet he struggles to truly take responsibility, instead offering convoluted excuses and blaming inherent personality flaws. His vulnerability is tinged with a dark comedic edge, as he inadvertently insults his wife even while trying to win her back. This creates a character who is both deeply flawed and strangely endearing in his misguided attempts.
Why This Works for Auditions
This monologue is a fantastic choice for auditions because it showcases a wide range of emotions within a relatively short duration. Actors can demonstrate their ability to navigate shifts between self-awareness, denial, desperation, and even accidental cruelty, all while maintaining a believable comedic-drama tone. The contemporary setting and quirky tone also allow for a modern, grounded performance that casting directors often appreciate by highlighting an actor’s ability to handle intricate and nuanced dialogue.
Best Suited For
This material is ideally suited for male actors aged 35-45 who are looking to showcase their versatility in comedy-drama. It’s particularly effective for those who fit the 'character actor,' 'everyman,' 'quirky,' 'vulnerable,' or 'comedic' casting types. This audition piece is perfect for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or self-tapes where you want to demonstrate a layered performance that balances humor with genuine human pathos, making it a powerful way to leave a lasting impression.
Performance Tips
When approaching this monologue, focus on Martin’s underlying desperation and his profound need for external validation, even as he sabotages his own efforts. Explore the comedic timing inherent in his clumsy justifications and accidental insults; the humor often comes from the character’s complete lack of self-awareness regarding his impact on others. Allow for moments of genuine vulnerability to shine through his defensiveness, but don't shy away from the darker, more pathetic aspects of his personality. Vary your vocal rhythm and physical intention to convey his erratic emotional state and make the character feel truly alive.