What Is a Soliloquy? Definition & 10+ Examples

Have you ever found yourself revealing your deepest thoughts aloud when you’re alone? Or wondered how characters in plays and films do the same?

This common human experience relates to the concept of soliloquy, a technique utilized in literature and drama to communicate the internal thoughts and emotions of a character.

A soliloquy is a monologue spoken by a character who is alone on stage, revealing their innermost thoughts to the audience. This literary device is often used to convey essential information to the audience, allowing them to discover the character’s true feelings and motivations.

From Shakespearean plays to modern cinema, soliloquies have been a mainstay in storytelling. In this article, we’ll further explore its concept so we gain a deeper understanding of how soliloquies enrich narratives and captivate audiences.

What Is a Soliloquy?

A soliloquy is a dramatic device used in literature, theater, and film that allows a character to express their thoughts and feelings out loud. Typically, it is delivered when the character is alone, or believes they are alone, and it helps to reveal their innermost thoughts and emotions to the audience.

In essence, a soliloquy is a monologue spoken by a character that can provide insights into their motivations and psyche.

The origin of the term “soliloquy” can be traced back to Latin. It is derived from the combination of two Latin words:

• “Solus,” meaning alone.
• “Loqui,” meaning to speak.

The concept of soliloquy has been an integral part of drama and literature throughout history, with notable examples in classical Greek plays, Shakespearean works, and contemporary literature.

Soliloquies have various functions in literature and theater. Here are a few:

• Character development: Soliloquies help develop characters by showcasing their thoughts, emotions, and unique perspectives, providing a clearer and deeper understanding of their nature and motivations.
• Plot development: By revealing information, soliloquies can help advance the plot of a story, create suspense, or highlight key themes.
• Emotional connection: Soliloquies facilitate emotional connections between characters and the audience, as the characters reveal their vulnerabilities and thoughts, making them more relatable and engaging.

History and Development of Soliloquies

Renaissance Period

During the Renaissance period, soliloquies gained prominence as a powerful tool for character development and expressing inner emotions. Playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe masterfully employed soliloquies to reveal the innermost thoughts, feelings, and motivations of their characters.

Example: In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the titular character’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be,” exemplifies this technique, allowing the audience to understand his contemplation of life and death.

Realism

In the era of realism, theater aimed to depict life as it was, focusing on everyday experiences and relationships. Soliloquies served a different purpose during this period, often reflecting the character’s inner struggles and pondering on societal issues.

Playwrights such as Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov utilized soliloquies to provide insight into their characters’ psyche and the world they inhabited.

Example: A soliloquy from this period can be found in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, where the protagonist Nora delivers a powerful soliloquy, revealing the truth about her marriage and her quest for self-discovery.

Modern Theater

In modern theater, soliloquies continue to evolve, serving both traditional purposes and adapting to contemporary storytelling techniques. Playwrights like Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller have effectively used soliloquies to delve into human emotions and explore themes like:

• Existentialism
• Family dynamics
• Societal pressures

Example: In Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, soliloquies reveal the characters’ frustrations and helplessness while awaiting the arrival of an unknown entity.

Characteristics of Soliloquies

Soliloquies are a dramatic device often used in plays to convey a character’s inner thoughts and emotions to the audience. There are several key characteristics that define soliloquies:

Monologue Format

A soliloquy is typically a monologue, meaning that it is a speech delivered by a single character. This allows the audience to gain insight into the character’s mindset and motivations without the interference of other characters.

Absence of Other Characters

During a soliloquy, the speaking character is usually alone on stage or separated from other characters. This isolation helps to emphasize the private nature of the speech and reinforces the idea that the character is revealing their innermost thoughts.

Internal Conflict

Most soliloquies reveal some form of internal conflict or struggle faced by the character. This can include:

• Moral dilemmas
• Personal doubts
• Emotional turmoil

The soliloquy provides an opportunity for the character to wrestle with these issues and reach a deeper understanding of their feelings.

Character Development

Soliloquies often serve as a means of character development by shedding light on a character’s personality, background, or motivation. Through their soliloquy, characters can reveal their fears, aspirations, and values, helping the audience empathize with them.

Foreshadowing

Soliloquies can also be used as a tool for foreshadowing future events in the play. By sharing their thoughts and plans during a soliloquy, characters can give the audience a glimpse into their intentions and hint at what actions they might take.

These characteristics together make soliloquies an effective and powerful dramatic technique for playwrights to delve into the minds of their characters and create a more immersive experience for the audience.

Types of Soliloquies

Character-Driven

Character-driven soliloquies primarily aim to express a character’s inner thoughts, emotions, and feelings. They often reveal a character’s motivations, desires, and dilemmas, providing insights into their psychological state. These soliloquies usually serve to develop a character, making the audience more emotionally invested in their journey.

Example: A character-driven soliloquy is Hamlet’s famous “To be, or not to be” speech in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In this soliloquy, Hamlet discusses the difficult decision of whether to succumb to his sorrows or to continue living:

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them?

Plot-Driven

Plot-driven soliloquies, on the other hand, primarily focus on advancing the story or communicating events that are crucial to the plot. These soliloquies can function as a way to inform the audience about the character’s plans, actions, or discoveries, in turn contributing to the progression of the story.

Example: A plot-driven soliloquy is Iago’s monologue in Shakespeare’s Othello, in which he reveals his plan to ruin Othello’s life by manipulating his emotions and jealousy:

I hate the Moor, 
And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets 
He's done my office. I know not if 't be true, 
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, 
Will do as if for surety. He holds me well; 
The better shall my purpose work on him.

These two types of soliloquies, character-driven and plot-driven, ultimately serve complementary purposes in a dramatic work:

• Character-driven soliloquies delve into a character’s emotional and psychological inner workings.
• Plot-driven soliloquies contribute to the overall storyline and tension.

Together, they create a rich and engaging experience for the audience.

Famous Soliloquies in Shakespeare’s Plays

Hamlet – “To Be or Not to Be”

In Hamlet, the famous soliloquy “To be or not to be” is spoken by the protagonist, Prince Hamlet. He contemplates the meaning and value of life, questioning whether it is better to endure the “slings and arrows” of fate or to take arms against the “outrageous fortune” by ending one’s life.

This soliloquy is known for its deep philosophical inquiry and reflection on the nature of existence.

Macbeth – “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow”

Macbeth’s soliloquy “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” showcases his despair and disillusionment with life after the death of his wife, Lady Macbeth. He muses on the fleeting nature of time and the ultimate meaninglessness of human action, likening life to a brief candle that is extinguished in the end.

This soliloquy highlights Macbeth’s tragic downfall and the emptiness of his ambition.

Othello – “Soft You, a Word or Two”

In Othello, the soliloquy “Soft you, a word or two” is spoken by the titular character as he addresses the audience. He grapples with his inner turmoil and the consequences of his actions, expressing remorse for the tragic events that have unfolded.

Othello’s soliloquy reveals his tortured soul and the anguish of his mistaken judgment.

Romeo and Juliet – “Gallop Apace, You Fiery Footed Steeds”

In Romeo and Juliet, the soliloquy “Gallop apace, you fiery footed steeds” is spoken by Juliet as she anxiously awaits the arrival of her husband, Romeo. She expresses her longing for the night to come quickly so that she can finally be with her love.

This soliloquy highlights the passion and impatience of young love, as well as the tragic nature of the play’s central romance.

Julius Caesar – “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, Lend Me Your Ears”

In Julius Caesar, the soliloquy “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears” is delivered by Mark Antony after the assassination of Caesar. He subtly manipulates the crowd by praising the conspirators while simultaneously portraying Caesar in a sympathetic light.

This soliloquy showcases the power of rhetoric and serves as a turning point in the play as the tide of public opinion begins to turn against the conspirators.

Other Notable Soliloquies in Plays

In addition to Shakespeare’s famous soliloquies, there are many other memorable soliloquies in plays. Some notable examples include:

“Antigone” by Sophocles

In this ancient Greek tragedy, Antigone delivers a powerful soliloquy defending her decision to bury her brother, defying the orders of the king. This soliloquy highlights her unwavering commitment to family and moral duty.

“Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe

Marlowe’s well-known play features a significant soliloquy where Faustus contemplates his choice to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. In this moment, the character reveals his internal struggle and the true price of his ambition.

Play	Author	Character	Key Themes
Antigone	Sophocles	Antigone	Family, moral duty
Doctor Faustus	Christopher Marlowe	Faustus	Ambition, internal struggle
Hamlet	William Shakespeare	Hamlet	Betrayal, revenge, introspection

While these soliloquies highlight the character’s thoughts and emotions, they also contribute to the story’s thematic development.

Through soliloquies, playwrights can emphasize the inner struggles and moral dilemmas faced by their characters, deepening the audience’s understanding and connection to the narrative.

Soliloquies in Various Media

Novels

Soliloquies appear in various novels, where an author uses this literary technique to offer readers a glimpse into a character’s thoughts.

Using soliloquies in novels can reveal hidden aspects of a character’s personality and motives, enhancing the story’s depth and meaning.

Theater

In theatrical performances, soliloquies have been prevalent since the days of classical Greek and Roman theater.

Characters often deliver these monologues to express their deepest feelings or thoughts and establish connections with the audience. Soliloquies provide insight into character motivations and conflicts and help the spectator follow the plotline.

Movies

Soliloquies make their way into movies, as well, either through voiceovers or moments when a character speaks their thoughts aloud.

These instances give the viewer a chance to be privy to the character’s internal dialogue, usually revealing key emotions or information that influence the story’s development.

Television

In television shows, soliloquies may serve as an engaging narrative tool to provide context or reveal inner emotions. TV writers will sometimes make use of soliloquies to support character development, especially during critical moments of the story.

Notable Scenes with Soliloquies

In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth during Act 5, Scene 5, devastated by the death of his wife, Macbeth delivers a poignant soliloquy that reflects on the futility and emptiness of life:

"Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player..."

In this soliloquy, Macbeth’s despair and realization of his sense of powerlessness come to light.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet also features a well-known soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 2. Juliet’s soliloquy is delivered as she waits for Romeo, contemplating her love for him despite their families’ feuding. The soliloquy begins with:

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"

In Julius Caesar, another of Shakespeare’s plays, the character Mark Antony delivers a powerful soliloquy in Act 3, Scene 1, following the assassination of Caesar. This soliloquy expresses Mark Antony’s grief, anger, and desire for revenge, beginning with the phrase:

"O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth"

Lastly, in Act 1, Scene 5 of Othello, the character Iago delivers a soliloquy outlining his plans to manipulate and deceive Othello. This soliloquy commences with:

"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse"

Iago’s soliloquy reveals his deceitful nature and the depth of his cunning and malice.

In each of these notable scenes, soliloquies serve as an essential device to provide insight into the characters’ emotions, thoughts, and motives, delivering some of the most memorable moments in the history of drama.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for soliloquies in the next play or film you watch — they can reveal a lot about a character's internal thoughts.

Modernizing Soliloquy: Examples in Contemporary Media

In recent years, soliloquies have adapted and evolved to maintain their relevance in modern media, such as films and television shows. This transition allows the audience to connect with characters on a deeper level, as they are privy to their inner thoughts and emotions.

• Soliloquy in Contemporary Cinema: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

One prominent example of a soliloquy in contemporary media is the iconic monologue from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

In this 1986 film, Ferris Bueller, played by Matthew Broderick, consistently breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly. Through these moments, the audience gains insight into Ferris’ motivations, plans, and thought process, similar to theatrical soliloquies.

• Breaking the Fourth Wall in Television: House of Cards

The main character, Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, frequently speaks to the camera to express his thoughts and intentions. This style of soliloquy establishes a sense of intimacy between the character and the audience, allowing viewers to understand the character’s perspective.

• Inner Turmoil Expressed through Soliloquy: American Psycho

Similarly, the 2000 film American Psycho, featuring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, employs soliloquies to showcase the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Bateman’s monologues provide a glimpse into his twisted mind, bringing the audience closer to his experiences and emotions.

Did You Know? The 'talking head' segments in many reality TV shows are a form of soliloquy, allowing characters to express their thoughts directly to the audience.

Purpose and Functions of Soliloquies

Character Development

Soliloquies are crucial tools in literature for developing characters. They enable the audience or reader to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts, struggles, and emotions.

Through soliloquies, individuals can empathize with characters, making them more relatable and believable. Furthermore, soliloquies can reveal a character’s motivations and desires, which might not be apparent through their actions or dialogue with other characters.

Revealing Inner Thoughts

One of the primary functions of a soliloquy is to disclose a character’s inner thoughts.

As characters express their emotions, beliefs, and concerns to the audience, this insight allows for a more profound connection with the character’s thoughts. In turn, soliloquies can reveal a character’s true feelings or intentions, which can be masked in interactions with other characters.

This element of revelation adds depth and complexity to not only the character but also the story as a whole.

Advancing the Plot

Lastly, soliloquies can serve as a means to advance the plot. By providing insight into a character’s intentions, soliloquies can foreshadow future events or explain decisions that impact the storyline.

They can also serve as moments of reflection or contemplation for characters, leading to revelations or growth that contribute to the narrative progression.

Soliloquy and Its Significance in Drama

Soliloquy vs. Monologue vs. Aside

• A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character in a play when they are alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts and feelings.
• A monologue, on the other hand, is a longer, uninterrupted speech delivered by a character to others.
• An aside is a short comment or observation made by a character, typically not meant to be heard by other characters.

	Definition	Delivered To	Duration
Soliloquy	A speech delivered by a character in a play when they are alone on stage, expressing their inner thoughts and feelings.	Self	Typically longer
Monologue	A longer, uninterrupted speech delivered by a character to others.	Other characters	Long
Aside	A short comment or observation made by a character, typically not meant to be heard by other characters.	Audience	Short

Creating Suspense and Dramatic Tension

Soliloquies can also create suspense and dramatic tension. When a character reveals their plans, the audience becomes privy to information that other characters in the play may not know.

This dramatic irony can heighten the sense of anticipation as the audience awaits the consequences of the character’s actions.

Soliloquy as a Literary Device

A soliloquy is a dramatic technique used by playwrights and authors to express a character’s inner thoughts and emotions.

When a character engages in a soliloquy, they are speaking to themselves or directly addressing an audience, which allows the audience to gain insight into the character’s feelings, motives, and state of mind.

Some common features of a soliloquy include:

• It is typically spoken by a single character, alone on stage or separated from the other characters.
• A soliloquy reveals the character’s true emotions and inner thoughts, which might not otherwise be expressed in dialogue with other characters.
• It often serves as a means of advancing the plot and providing context or backstory.

A notable soliloquy occurs in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. In Act 5, Scene 5, Macbeth reflects on the futility and emptiness of life shortly after learning of his wife’s death:

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death.

Soliloquies are not limited to Shakespearean plays. They can also be found in modern plays and literature.

Example: Arthur Miller’s play Death of a Salesman features various soliloquies delivered by the protagonist, Willy Loman, as he grapples with his personal and professional failures.

Comparing Soliloquy and Dialogue

Soliloquy and dialogue are two distinct narrative techniques used by writers to express a character’s thoughts and advance the plot.

A soliloquy is a speech delivered by a character who is alone on stage or separated from other characters, speaking their thoughts aloud. These speeches reveal the character’s inner thoughts and emotions, often sharing their motivations, conflicts, or plans.

Soliloquies are typically used in plays, especially those of William Shakespeare, such as Hamlet and Macbeth.

On the other hand, a dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters on stage or in a narrative. Dialogue can provide valuable insight into the relationships between characters, reveal plot developments or character motives, and create dramatic tension.

Unlike soliloquies, dialogues are used across various literary genres, including plays, novels, and short stories.

In comparison, soliloquies and dialogues serve different narrative purposes:

• Soliloquies reveal a character’s inner thoughts and emotions, while dialogues explore interpersonal relationships and external conflicts.
• Soliloquies often provide a deeper understanding of a character’s motives, while dialogues expose reactions and the evolution of relationships.
• Soliloquies create a moment of intimacy between the character and the audience, whereas dialogues focus on the interaction between characters.

Although both techniques are vital for storytelling, they are employed in different contexts for different narrative goals.

Soliloquies are generally reserved for plays and are more focused on individual characters’ inner thoughts, while dialogues are universally applicable and centered on character interactions and relationships.

	Soliloquy	Dialogue
Purpose	Reveals a character’s inner thoughts and emotions	Explores interpersonal relationships and external conflicts
Understanding	Provides a deeper understanding of a character’s motives	Exposes reactions and evolution of relationships
Connection	Creates a moment of intimacy between the character and the audience	Focuses on the interaction between characters
Context	Generally reserved for plays and focuses on individual characters’ inner thoughts	Universally applicable and centered on character interactions and relationships

Performance and Impact on Audience

Breaking the Fourth Wall

In a soliloquy, an actor breaks the fourth wall by directly addressing the audience, creating an intimate connection that allows for a deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings.

This technique helps to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, inviting them to empathize with the character’s struggles and motives.

Role of the Actor

The actor plays a crucial role in conveying the emotions, tone, and mood of the soliloquy to the audience. Through body language, facial expressions, voice modulation, and pacing, the actor can communicate the character’s inner turmoil, conflicts, desires, and motivations.

The effectiveness of a soliloquy heavily relies on the actor’s skills, as they must convincingly bring the character’s thoughts to life and capture the audience’s attention.

A successful performance of a soliloquy can have a powerful impact on the audience, eliciting emotional responses and provoking thought. It offers a chance for the actor and the audience to connect as the character’s innermost thoughts are revealed, deepening the audience’s engagement with the story and its themes.

The Impact: How Soliloquies Engage the Audience

Soliloquies have a unique ability to captivate and engage an audience. By presenting a character’s innermost thoughts and feelings, they allow the audience to uncover hidden layers within the story.

The emotional vulnerability displayed in soliloquies fosters a closer connection between the audience and the character, leading to greater investment in the overall narrative.

Through these intimate monologues, the audience is often privy to key information that other characters may not be aware of, creating a sense of dramatic irony. This can heighten tension within the play, as the audience waits with anticipation for the inevitable fallout from these undisclosed secrets and intentions.

Moreover, soliloquies can act as powerful tools for foreshadowing future events. As characters reveal their deepest desires, fears, or plans, the audience gains insight into potential plot developments. This sense of foreknowledge can generate intrigue, suspense, and curiosity over the unfolding story.

Techniques and Structure of Soliloquies

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony often plays a crucial role in soliloquies. It occurs when the audience knows something that the characters on stage do not. This technique is used to enhance the impact of a soliloquy by creating suspense or tension.

During a soliloquy, the character might reveal their hidden motivations, thoughts, or feelings, allowing the audience to understand the character’s perspective better.

As a result, the audience can anticipate the upcoming events or conflict, allowing for a more engaging and emotional experience.

Poetry and Language

Soliloquies are usually written in verse, using poetic devices and language to convey the character’s emotions and thoughts. This poetic form not only elevates the language but also adds depth and beauty to the character’s inner thoughts. Some common poetic devices used in soliloquies include:

• Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
• Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.
• Metaphor: A comparison between two seemingly unrelated things.
• Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as.”

These devices help create a vivid, emotional landscape, capturing the character’s state of mind and inner turmoil or passion.

Structure

The structure of a soliloquy varies depending on the playwright, period, and genre. However, soliloquies often have certain features that help shape and guide their content. Some common structural elements include:

1. Introspection: A soliloquy often begins with the character reflecting on their situation or state of mind. This allows the character to examine their feelings and thoughts more deeply and present them to the audience.
2. Argument or Conflict: A soliloquy often explores a central argument or conflict, such as a moral dilemma or a choice between different courses of action. This conflict heightens the tension and helps the audience understand the character’s inner struggle.
3. Resolution: A soliloquy often concludes with a decision or resolution, which may mark a turning point in the plot. This resolution might not always be the result of a reasoned argument; sometimes, it may stem from an emotional outburst or sudden insight.

Creating a Solo Moment

When crafting a soliloquy, it’s essential to create a moment in which the character is alone, or at least believes they are alone. This moment allows the character to speak freely without interruption or fear of judgment from other characters. Consider the following elements:

• Setting: Choose an appropriate setting for the soliloquy, where the character feels comfortable to express their inner thoughts. It could be a private room, a stage, or a natural setting.
• Timing: The soliloquy should occur at a pivotal moment in the story or the character’s arc, when they are contemplating a particular decision or struggling with an emotional conflict.
• Length: A soliloquy should be concise, yet powerful enough to convey the character’s emotions and thoughts. Aim for a length that allows for depth, but doesn’t overwhelm the audience.

Engaging the Audience

An effective soliloquy should engage the audience and evoke emotion. Achieving this requires careful attention to the following aspects:

• Language: Use language that reflects the character’s personality and emotions. Avoid overly complex vocabulary or intricate sentence structures that may distract the audience from the character’s message.
• Emotional Depth: A soliloquy is an opportunity to explore the character’s emotions, so dive deep into their feelings. Emotions can be complex and multifaceted, so be open to exposing the character’s vulnerability, anger, or inner conflicts.
• Pacing: The delivery of a soliloquy should be well-paced, neither rushed nor dragging. Use pauses and breaks to emphasize key points and create tension.
• Relatability: Make the character’s struggles and emotions relatable to the audience. Drawing on universal themes and experiences can help the audience connect with the character, empathize, and understand their motivations.

By carefully crafting a soliloquy that gives a character the space and opportunity to reveal their inner thoughts and emotions, writers can provide valuable insight and depth to their narratives.

Pro tip: Remember to create a solo moment for the character to express their feelings and engage the audience with relatable and emotional content.

Finding the Character’s Voice

When writing a soliloquy, finding the character’s unique voice is essential. It requires a deep understanding of the character to convey their thoughts and emotions genuinely:

• Consider their background, experiences, and values as a foundation for building their voice.
• Experiment with different tones, word choices, and sentence structures to find what fits best for the character.
• Pay attention to how their voice may change as they grapple with internal dilemmas.

Content

The content of a soliloquy should focus on the character’s inner thoughts and emotions, allowing the audience to gain insight into the character’s motivations and internal struggles. To do this effectively, consider the following:

• Emotions: What emotions is the character experiencing? Are they conflicted? Be sure to use descriptive language to evoke these emotions.
• Conflict: What is the central conflict or dilemma the character is dealing with? Present the character’s internal debate and opposing viewpoints.
• Self-awareness: How self-aware is the character? Do they recognize their flaws or are they blinded by their emotions? This can be conveyed through their analysis of the situation.

Remember: Maintain a third-person perspective and avoid exaggerating or making false claims. Using clear, neutral language will help convey the information effectively and engagingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the definition of soliloquy and its significance in both literature and drama. We have examined various examples to demonstrate the powerful impact of soliloquy as a literary device.

The timeless importance of soliloquy in literature and drama stems from its ability to provide insight into a character’s inner thoughts and emotions. As we look to the future, it is possible that modern forms of storytelling will continue to employ soliloquies as a means of conveying emotion, enriching character development, and advancing the plot.

Next time you encounter a soliloquy in a play, a book, or a film, remember: it’s not just a speech — it’s a window into a character’s soul. Happy exploring!