Royal Tenenbaum attempts to manipulate his estranged wife, Etheline, into letting him back into the family by claiming he is terminally ill. After Etheline's genuine emotional breakdown forces him to briefly admit the lie, he doubles down on the deception to secure her sympathy.
ROYAL: You got a minute?
ETHELINE: What are you doing here?
ROYAL: I need a favor.
ETHELINE: No.
ROYAL: Wait a second. Listen. I want to spend some time with you and the children.
ETHELINE: Are you crazy?
ROYAL: Now, hold on, dammit.
ETHELINE: Stop following me.
ROYAL: I want my family back.
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Director's Notes
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Scene Notes & Audition Tips
Find audition scenes for Royal Tenenbaums! This comedy-drama duologue features Royal's manipulative cancer confession to Etheline. Perfect for actors seeking dramatic, desperate, and ultimately sincere character work.
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