California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

A dramatic monologue is characterized as a poem or a piece of literature in which a single speaker addresses an audience or another character who does not respond or interact. This format allows the speaker to express their thoughts, emotions, and motivations in depth, revealing their inner life and providing insight into their character. The audience gains a unique perspective on the speaker's situation, often encountering a moment of revelation or self-exploration.

This style is commonly found in poetry and plays, where the emotional intensity and personal reflection are heightened by the speaker's direct address to an implied listener, creating a powerful connection between the speaker and the audience. While the other options describe different forms of literary expression, they do not encapsulate the essence of a dramatic monologue, which relies specifically on the solitary voice and the absence of immediate dialogue with a responsive character.