CHARACTER DIALOGUE/MONOLOGUE

What are we doing? Using your favorite piece of literature that you looked at this year, you will have the opportunity to become a character from that work and create a dialogue with another character, the author, or a famous historical figure. Character to character Character to author Character to historical figure Character monologue *character monologue is also an option

Rubric Review Voice and Style Content Conventions/Delivery Accurately capture the authentic voice and tone of the character(s), author, historical figure, and/or era Content Scholarly research/literary references Establishes the setting Expresses the personality, attitude, and concerns of the figure portrayed with accuracy and sophistication Conventions/Delivery

Tips and Tricks Be Creative Develop Voice Have a Specific Setting Have a Conflict Rehearse for Eye Contact Time It!

Write a Proposal: The 5 W’s Group members and role each will play Who will be talking? Context for the conversation Where, when, why are they talking? How do they feel about each other? Content for the conversation What will they talk about?

Tips for Planning Your Dialogue: Creativity counts -i.e., original songs on instruments, cool special effects/attire, poems, great acting; I want some serious entertainment value! Choose a main idea on which to build the dialogue. Try to build it around the setting of the novel or the historical figure’s time period or a conflict. The bigger the conflict, the more the audience will become involved. The solution to the conflict should come at the finish. Consider the personalities and experiences of your character and carefully and write a dialogue that reflects your understanding of these elements. Communicating these details to your audience will help them follow the dialogue. Define the “voice” of your character/figure through phrasing, accent, tone, and word choice. In other words, speak the way you believe the character might actually speak in words he/she might actually use. It is extremely important to stay within the performance time given to you (3 minutes monologue, 5 minutes dialogue). Keep your routine fast-paced. Don't let it drag! Try to end your act with your audience wanting more. Define a specific setting in which your character will speak. Consider using simple props or visual aids to establish this atmosphere. You may use a script during the performance, but try and use an expressive voice and make some eye contact with your audience and scene partner. Concentrate on artful and expressive delivery (voice control, eye contact, movement, gestures). Know what impact or impression you want to make upon your listeners and aim to achieve it. Only slim notes will be allowed on stage, not the entire script!