The Voice of Monologues: Multiple Manifestations of the Inner Hearts of Dramatic Characters

This paper explores the dramatic function of monologues in Chinese and Western theater in the 20th century and earlier, with a focus on their role in character development and the depiction of psychological activity. Through an analysis of representative works such as Shakespeare's Hamlet and Cao Yu's Thunderstorm, this paper finds that monologues not only serve as an important means of revealing inner conflicts, but also play a central role in advancing the plot and deepening the expression of themes. In Western drama, monologues often carry philosophical reflections and self-examination, while in Chinese drama, they place greater emphasis on emotional expression and characterization through monologues. This difference in usage reflects the cultural differences between Chinese and Western drama in terms of narrative style and aesthetic concepts. Nevertheless, monologues still share the important function of expressing characters' emotions and revealing their personalities across different cultural contexts, reflecting the profound concern for the universality of human nature in dramatic art