Wednesday Addams discovers that Thing has been sent by her parents to spy on her at Nevermore Academy. She uses intimidation and psychological leverage to force the sentient hand into switching his loyalty to her as she plots her escape.
WEDNESDAY: Did you really think that my highly trained olfactory sense wouldn’t pick up the faint whiff of neroli and bergamot in your favorite hand lotion?
[Thing tries to wriggle free, but Wednesday subdues him]
WEDNESDAY: I can do this all day long. Surrender? Mother and Father sent you to spy on me, didn’t they? I’m not above breaking a few fingers. The…
Format: Monologue · Genre: Fantasy, Comedy · Source: Wednesday · Author: Alfred Gough · Characters: Wednesday
This compelling monologue from the series Wednesday features the titular character in a moment of intense confrontation and strategic manipulation. Trapping her parents' spy, Thing, Wednesday uncovers his true mission and swiftly turns the tables, asserting her dominance and securing an ally for her own agenda. This scene highlights her sharp intellect, unwavering resolve, and darkly humorous approach to loyalty and family dynamics.
Wednesday is presented here as a formidable, intelligent, and subtly (or not so subtly) manipulative teenager. Her opening lines immediately establish her keen observational skills and unwavering authority, as she uses a scent to pinpoint Thing's betrayal. Despite her young age, she possesses a commanding presence, using intimidation and psychological leverage to bend others to her will, viewing even her own parents as "evil puppeteers." Her objective is clear: to escape her current circumstances, and she will employ any means necessary, including exploiting Thing's vanity, to achieve it.
This monologue is an excellent choice for auditions as it provides a comprehensive showcase of a young actor's ability to command a scene. The shifting power dynamics, from initial accusation to securing an ally, allow for a dynamic emotional arc within a relatively short duration. Furthermore, the darkly humorous tone and the challenging yet engaging dialogue offer ample opportunity for an actor to demonstrate nuance, comedic timing, and a strong sense of character.
This piece is ideal for teenage actresses looking to portray a leading lady with an edgy, anti-heroic quality. It particularly suits those who excel at showcasing a manipulative yet charismatic presence, and who can embody a character that is fiercely independent and intellectually superior. Actors looking to demonstrate a strong command of dark humor and a quirky, outsider sensibility will find this material highly effective for self-tapes and agent showcases.
When performing this monologue, focus on Wednesday's unwavering conviction and tactical intelligence. Pay close attention to the beats and pauses, allowing them to underscore her strategic thinking and the pressure she exerts on Thing. Utilize vocal control to convey her dismissive yet authoritative tone, and leverage subtle physical adjustments to illustrate her dominance and Thing's reaction, even without another actor present. Emphasize the dark humor through a detached delivery, finding the amusement in her ruthless pragmatism.