Top 7 Monologues for Men You Need to Know

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First, there should be a clarification when speaking about monologues- there really is not the best set that fits every actor. Every actor has their own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and this will help dictate which monologues will work well for them. For one, it may be that they really enjoy performing a comedic type of monologue while another has much more passion for the dramatic. Regardless of your preference, there are many monologues for men to choose from.

The key is to find something you enjoy doing and run with it allowing your true talent to shine through. Once you figure that out, it will be much easier for you to whittle down the options to create your perfect list of monologues to keep under your belt for casting calls. This article will highlight a handful of monologues for men to get you started. They come from a variety of genres so that you have the ability to choose the one that is right for your performance.

Close up of a man holding a book and reciting

7 Monologues for Men

Monologue 1: Wasted Talent

I will miss him very much, he was a dear friend and a talented artist and the world has been
robbed of his contribution to humanity.
It hurts. It’s sad. It didn’t have to happen this way.

This first monologues for men option is a modern dramatic piece written by Joseph Arnone. In Wasted Talent, a man named Donnie is venting about the recent loss of a good friend who was a struggling musician that he found to be extremely talented. Through the monologue, he expresses his sorrow by letting the audience know what great potential had been lost through his death.

Donnie goes on to say that his friend may have never been given the chance he needed, but more importantly, he never gave himself the chance. He lost sight of what really mattered- the need for your soul to express itself. You do not do it for the money, recognition, or fame. You do it for the journey because that’s what it is all about.He finishes up the monologue with some very heartfelt words about regretting that he did not know how deep-seated his friend’s depression was and how the world was “robbed” of such a great person.

Monologue 2: Measure for Measure

Imagine howling: ’tis too horrible!
The weariest and most loathed worldly life
That age, ache, penury, and imprisonment
Can lay on nature is a paradise
To what we fear of death.

Next, we move on to a classic piece of drama written by William Shakespeare. This monologue would fit a younger male very well. In fact, it surrounds the speech of a character named Claudio. In this monologue, Claudio is addressing his sister who has told him to give up his life as opposed to her giving up her virginity. Claudio has been arrested for lewd behavior and is now in a sort of desperation and panic because it finally hits him that his life is in jeopardy. He is attempting to make his sister understand his feelings.

Monologue 3: Austin Powers

My father was a relentlessly self-improving boulangerie owner from Belgium with low-grade narcolepsy and a penchant for buggery. My mother was a fifteen-year-old French prostitute named Chloe with webbed feet.

If you are looking for something a little more comedic in a monologue, this tongue-in-cheek speech delivered by Dr. Evil from Austin Powers may be just what you need. The movie Austin Powers encompasses the story of a British spy who is misplaced in time due to being cryogenically frozen in the past. Now, at the present time, he is having a hard time adjusting yet still has to fight his arch-nemesis who has using a stolen nuclear weapon to hold the world hostage. During this monologue, Dr. Evil attends a therapy session alongside his son and is asked to share the story of his life with the group. He goes on to hilariously describe specific events in his youth and describe his mother and father, as well as the relationship that spawned him.

This monologue is best delivered by an adult male over 35. It is very descriptive and modern.

Monologue 4: House

I’m also the only doctor currently employed at this clinic who is forced to be here against his will. That is true, isn’t it? But not to worry. Because for most of you, this job could be done by a monkey with a bottle of Motrin.

The popular television show House, written by David Shore, follows the career of a hard-headed genius of a physician who is also a rule-breaker and extremely sarcastic. Some say Dr. House is out of touch with humanity in many ways. This only makes his character exceptionally layered and interesting. In this monologue, Dr. House is forced to help out a waiting room full of patients and takes the time to introduce himself in a witty manner that makes the patients second guess whether or not he is the one they want to see. Of course, it is an attempt to keep from seeing many, or any at all, during his clinic duty. After telling the room of patients a little about himself, he makes sure to let them know he does not want to be there. Moreover, he adds that if they annoy him they may see him pop a Vicodin and that he will not share.

Full of dry sarcasm and humor, this monologue would be a great, memorable performance for a middle-aged male.

Two white theater masks

Monologue 5: The Two Gentlemen of Verona

I think Crab, my dog, be the sourest-natured
dog that lives: my mother weeping, my father
wailing, my sister crying, our maid howling, our cat
wringing her hands, and all our house in a great
perplexity yet did not this cruel-hearted cur shed
one tear.

Many do not think of classic plays when they are looking for comedic monologues for men. However, Shakespeare was not only talented in the dramatic, but he could write a comedic scene just as well. The play The Two Gentlemen of Verona surrounds the story of two childhood friends who grew up in Verona named Valentine and Proteus. Valentine decides to leave their hometown for Milan to the Duke’s court while his friend stays behind due his love for a female that resides there. Eventually, Proteus’ father forces him to join Valentine in Milan anyway. Of course, Proteus does not want to go but reluctantly abides by his father’s wishes taking along his servant man Lance.

This monologue belongs to the act II, scene 3. In it, Launce is upset that his dog shows absolutely zero emotion upon bidding farewell to his family. He is lamenting that every member of his family was upset at his impending departure – even the cat. However, his dog makes no effort to be upset. Launce uses items he has on hand to act out the scenario including shoes for his parents, and a staff to represent his sister. He then debates on whether or not he should be the one to play his dog. Moreover, he points out to the audience that they need to focus on how insensitive his dog was through the whole ordeal. This is a great scene for young and old actors alike.

Monologue 6: Jerry Maguire

I’m not gonna to do what you all think I’m gonna to do, which is just FLIP OUT! But let me just, let me just say, as I ease out of the office I helped build — I’m sorry, but it’s a FACT! — that there is such a thing as manners, a way of treating people.

We can observe a modern drama piece in a scene from the popular movie Jerry Maguire. The movie tells the story of a big shot sports agent who works for a big sports management firm. He goes through a nervous breakdown and decides to figure out a way to improve the company. Maguire feels they should take fewer clients, which means less money. However, that also means they can devote more attention to the clients they do have. He loses his job regardless and decides to continue his career independently. The downside is that he manages to only keep one of his clients.

In this monologue, Jerry Maguire is leaving his office for good. He goes through a mixed bag of emotions which makes for great monologue material. In a descriptive speech, he shows his anger and frustration and flips out. In addition, he gives a very entertaining rendition of his life story. This is an excellent part suitable for any young adult male or even older male.

Monologue 7: The Picture of Dorian Gray

There was a dreadful orchestra, presided over by a young Hebrew who sat at a cracked piano, that nearly drove me away, but at last the drop-scene was drawn up, and the play began. Romeo was a stout elderly gentleman, with corked eyebrows, a husky tragedy voice, and a figure like a beer-barrel. Mercutio was almost as bad.

This monologue comes from Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, The Portrait of Dorian Gray. It is perfect for a teen to young adult male. The story itself surrounds the life of a youth who can’t grasp a painter’s friend’s hedonistic way of living. Influenced by him, Dorian pursues a similar existence. He strives for beauty and pleasure over everything else. Later in the story, Dorian sells his soul to make a painting of himself age rather than himself. With no consequences, he falls into a life of depravity. Then, he watches as his sins transform the painting by slowly deforming his image in it. Eventually, he meets a tragic end and kills himself as a result.

During this monologue, Dorian expresses his distaste for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. He is unhappy that people perform it in a theater not worthy of the play. He also criticizes the actor’s talent and looks and expresses how many times he almost just got up and left. However, the actress who plays Juliet makes him smitten. Thus, he goes on and on about her beauty and how unique she is. Not like ordinary women who cannot tweak your imagination or hide their uninteresting facade.

Conclusion

We can agree that there is no real “perfect” list of monologues that are a universal solution for actors. However, there are a variety of options out there to choose from. Finding a monologue that you enjoy performing can make all the difference in the world. Try out different genres and scenarios to find one that is right for you. That is the only way you can really let your talent shine through.

How do you find the right monologue to perform? What suggestions do you have for others looking for their perfect monologue? Feel free to leave suggestions and comments to help other actors.

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