How does a "soliloquy" differ from a "monologue"?

A soliloquy is a dramatic device in which a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually when they are alone on stage, allowing the audience to gain insight into their inner feelings, motivations, and conflicts. This type of speech reveals the character's innermost thoughts and helps to develop their psychological landscape within the narrative.

In contrast, a monologue can be delivered to other characters and often serves various purposes, such as advancing the plot, providing exposition, or showcasing a character's perspective to an audience or other characters present in the scene. While a monologue can also contain personal reflections, its primary function may not always be to delve into the speaker's internal psyche in the same way a soliloquy does.

The distinction lies in the intimate nature of a soliloquy compared to the more varied intentions behind a monologue. As such, the correct choice highlights the differing purposes and contexts of these two forms of speech within theater.