8 Monologues from Characters Who Can’t Move On

Written by Ashleigh Gardner

February 22, 2017

Sometimes characters can’t move on from their problems, whether they’re concerned about relationships or incapable of moving past a difficult childhood. If you’re in need of a monologue from a character who’s having a hard time coping with their past, we’ve got 5 for women and 5 for men from our collection that are perfect for you.

Blood, Sweat, and Cheers by Kaci Beeler and Amy Gentry

(Female, Comedic, Teens – 20s)
Competitive cheerleader June Davis, 17, explains her struggles with perfection to her good friend James after he discovers a mean prank she pulled on a fellow cheerleader, Kennedy Campbell.

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Fractured by David-Matthew Barnes

(Female, Dramatic, Teens – 20s)
After Anthony reveals to Wendy that he’s transferring to another school in the morning, she responds, begging him not to leave. She uses violent tactics to get him to stay, and she even threatens to kill herself before she finally tells him…she wants him to leave.

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Marilyn/God by Rosary O’Neill

(Female, Dramatic, 30s – 40s)
Dead Marilyn Monroe auditioning for heaven speaks to ex husband Arthur Miller in his study, a bedroom. August 5, 1962.

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One Good Thing by Don Zolidis

(Male, Comedic, Teens – 20s)
Travis, 17, sweet, awkward, and a little bit bored, talks to the audience. He is madly in love with a girl named Kimberly Lee Waluschka.

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Love (Awkwardly) by John Rotondo and Maryann Carolan

(Male, Comedic, Teens)
High school student Eddie is at his laptop looking at another student’s Facebook page.

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Know Your Role by Brandi Owensby

(Male, Dramatic, Teens – 20s)
Chris is going through adolescence like every other boy his age; in this monologue, he confesses his frustration with beauty norms. After seeing all the girls at school with flawless faces, covered perfectly with makeup, he only wishes he could use some concealer to find some confidence. Of course, this is frowned upon by society. For Chris, it is better to walk around school with a “crater face” than get caught shopping in the makeup aisle.

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Vacancies by David-Matthew Barnes

(Male, Dramatic, 20s)
Billy, a married man and father of two children, is unhappy with his predictable life. Here, he confesses to his former girlfriend, a singer-songwriter named Erica, how tempted he is to have an affair with her.

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Norman! by DT Arcieri

(Male, Dramatic, 20s – 40s)
Norman has sought out a variety of solutions to get a hold of his severe anxiety. After losing his wife and job he is willing to try anything. From conventional to new age he is on a journey to find a cure for his mental illness. At this point in the play, he has decided to talk to a Priest. At first Norman addresses the audience on a blank stage. As the monologue goes on the stage begins to take the form of a church and the Priest becomes more clear.

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Looking for other monologue collections? Check out the ones below!

Ashleigh Gardner received her AA in Theatre/Drama/Dramatic Arts from Valencia College and her Bachelors Degree in English Literature and Masters Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies from the University of Central Florida. She is a playwright and an actor.