A soliloquy is a speech given by a character in a play or literary work, where they express their thoughts and feelings aloud, often while alone on stage. The purpose of a soliloquy is to provide insight into the character's inner thoughts, motivations, or conflicts. It allows the audience to understand a character's perspective and emotional state, making it an essential tool for character development in drama.
The word "soliloquy" comes from the Latin word "soliloquium," which is composed of "solus," meaning "alone," and "loqui," meaning "to speak." Thus, it literally translates to "speaking alone."