What do you call a speech given by one character?

A speech given by one character is referred to as a monologue when it is delivered without interruption from other characters. Monologues often serve to express the thoughts, feelings, or motivations of the speaker, allowing the audience to gain insight into their personality or the context of the situation.

In a dramatic context, a monologue can occur in various forms, such as in a play, where one character may speak at length to convey their perspective or essential information to the audience. This differs from dialogue, which involves exchanges between two or more characters. A soliloquy, while similar to a monologue, specifically represents a character speaking their thoughts aloud while alone on stage, usually revealing inner emotions. An aside, on the other hand, is a brief remark made by a character supposedly not heard by other characters on stage, often revealing a secret or inner thought.

Therefore, monologues are crucial in literature, offering depth to character development and propelling the narrative forward through individual expression.