WIM+AI – WIM Module 8 – Lesson 6: Amazing Monologues!

[Michael Collado]

Mike’s Amazing Monologues

My Vision is to write an original screenplay, make a couple of calls to pitch it, to start a bidding war.

This lesson taught me how to use a monologue to emphasize the protagonist's passion for her police work.

The monologue inadvertently highlights her wound, which makes the scene even stronger.
But we do not find out it is her wound and why it is until four scenes later.

• This reply was modified 6 months, 2 weeks ago by  Michael Collado.

[Monica Arisman]

Subject: Monica Has Incredible Monologues!

VISION: I am a very successful screenwriter who has made multiple movies.

What I learned from doing this assignment is the process of writing a monologue. I don’t know if I did it right, but at least I have the framework in which I can elevate the quality in later drafts (ChatGPT also helped!).

Emily’s monologue highlights her frustration with her brother, Paul, who is her only surviving family member. It highlights her wound of never feeling good enough growing up because Paul received all the attention. And, her resolve to be just as good or not better than him.

"How much greatness has been denied the world? How many voices like mine, brilliant and desperate to be heard, have been lost… because they were born to parents who were just too broken, or too worn out, to notice? Or maybe… maybe they noticed, but they didn’t want to. They couldn’t face a child’s potential when their own dreams had already turned to dust.

Do you know what it feels like to spend your whole life in the shadow of someone who’s already shining? Paul – my brother, my only family left. He was everything they wanted – perfect grades, and endless praise. The golden child. He didn’t even have to try; he just… fit. And there I was, right beside him, reaching out, screaming in my own quiet way. And no one saw me. I was the afterthought, the complication they had to juggle, never the center of attention.

Maybe that’s the real tragedy, isn’t it? The way people like me get pushed aside, swept under the rug while everyone celebrates the Pauls of the world. How much brilliance have we lost to that – that neglect, that… blindness? How many inventions, stories, cures… gone, because someone didn’t know where to turn? Because they didn’t have a single person who could say, ‘You matter. Your voice matters.’

I used to think I could beat it – that I could write my way out of this darkness. But now? All I see is how far I still am from being enough. And that is my wound, isn’t it? That emptiness, that hunger for something I’m afraid I’ll never find.

But maybe… maybe that’s why I have to keep going. Not for anyone else. Not for them. For me. For everyone who’s ever been silenced. Because if I don’t push through, if I don’t write these stories, who will? That’s what I learned from meeting God. I had to die to be resurrected. I had to sacrifice to be saved. And, I’ll be damned if I let you or anyone else stand in my way of greatness."

• This reply was modified 6 months, 1 week ago by  Monica Arisman.

[Margaret]

Margaret has incredible monologues!

Vision: To write profound faith-based scripts that are produced.

What I learned: The six elements that need to be incorporated into monologues.

Monologues:

In this scene, Jacob, the lead character, has just found out he has cancer.

Alone in his room, Jacob studies the pumps, tubes, and wires he is connected to. He pulls his bed cover up to hide as many as he can.
He swallows against the lump in his throat, looks up to the ceiling, prays.
JACOB
God, you’re here with me, right? I mean, I haven’t been close to you for a while and I’m sorry for that, but, you’re still with me, right? Because I really need to hear You right now. I mean, what is happening with me? I don’t get why… Are you mad with me? Am I going to die? I can do better, I WILL do better.
Jacob closes his eyes, breathes deeply, then opens his eyes, resumes his prayer.
JACOB
Could you just please tell me why? Is there some purpose to this?
Jacob looks around the room as if searching for an answer. His eyes fill with fear of a new knowledge.
JACOB
To teach me some things?
He hesitates to frame his next question.
JACOB
Am I going to die?
He holds his breath, waiting, then sighs with relief.
JACOB
I’m going to be OK, but it will be a long time? Am I hearing You right? I’m not going to die?
Certain he has heard God’s voice, he smiles through his tears and turns over to sleep.
JACOB
Now I remember why I gave my life to follow You. You love me. I know you do. I still feel afraid, but not alone. Could you help me trust You? Let me know that you have me in Your hands? Thank you. Thank you, God.

Monologue for Grandma, after being informed they are no more treatments available for her grandson and he has only six months left to live.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Seated at a bench with Bible in hand, Grandma prays for Jacob’s healing.
GRANDMA
I know what the doctor said, but today I am reminded of the dream you gave me. The baby and the bear. It was for this time, wasn’t it? The shadow of cancer is over my grandchild for the third time. The bear would devour him! Oh, God, I ask for help from heaven. Drive the bear away! There is nothing more his physicians can do. Nothing more Jacob can do. Nothing more his mother, father, or I can do. Our only hope is in you. O God, have mercy! Heal him from this cancer, for you have said that Your mercy is great. You have the power and strength. You can do the impossible! Hear my prayer, Lord! In Jesus name, I ask.
Grandma looks up, wipes her tears, hugs her Bible.