Hidden Rage
In the drama monologue Hidden Rage, Wesley talks to his wife about how he doesn’t approve of the person he has become in his life.
Featured Monologue – Hidden Rage
WESLEY: I recreated a few scenes from my life, from these past few years. Situations that…gave me pause to examine myself, my relation to everyone else, how I behave, communicate; I used my mind to become an extra person in the room and replayed events, things that were said, actions that were taken, in order to bear witness to my attitude, my disconnection from kindness to others, my self-absorbed demeanor…with co-workers, acquaintances, and you.
I’m afraid I’m not so sure I like the person I am, who I’ve become lately, and I have no way of changing how I feel about certain people, about life, about all these situations I’ve been put up against, forced to face, which confuses me and fills me up with rage, which in turn keeps me the way I am, but in my mind, I paint a new me, you see? A new me that I imagine being, but a human being that I don’t think I will ever have the patience or courage to live up to.
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Monologue Insights
Wesley’s admission:
Why is Wesley speaking to his wife about his trouble? It almost feels as though he is feeling her out, seeing how she responds to his situation. He could in due part wish to be comforted, helped, but he may also be searching for a way to talk to his wife about what is really pestering him.
Subtext:
Wesley seems to allude to something far more darker beneath the surface of what he says. Not only throughout the course of the monologue, but throughout the course of the play, there seems to be an unspoken darkness that Wesley never speaks about. Playing on what isn’t said is a stronger choice for the actor in this monologue piece.
Pacing & Rhythm:
The monologues pacing can be expressed through a slow, decisive, careful way of speaking. Wesley is also under the influence of whiskey, and this will also produce a particular way of expressing himself. But most importantly, it is what Wesley is trying to get at without actually saying exactly what it is he is trying to say, that causes the pacing and rhythm to take shape.
Casting Considerations:
This is a good monologue for an actor who wants to play a character that has a secret and doesn’t choose to talk about the secret that is causing them pain. If there is a casting call where you are going out for a character that has to withhold information or fight against confession, this may be a good monologue choice to perform.
Root of Performance:
Another interesting tidbit of information to examine is inside the play. When Wesley’s wife Linda speaks about their friends and how Martin is undergoing a ‘life crises’, this greatly concerns and almost frightens Wesley. It makes you wonder if there is a link between Wesley and Martin that is causing both men to undergo some sort of emotional crises. Is his “Hidden Rage” aimed at himself?
Takeaway for Audition / Monologue Work:
This monologue allows actors to showcase fear, restraint, and a hidden plea for forgiveness.
Monologue Summary
In the drama monologue Hidden Rage, Wesley opens up to his wife about how lousy he has been feeling about himself as a human being.
- Genre: Drama
- Length: ~1 Minute
- Monologue Character: Wesley
- Age Range: Any
- Themes: family, confession, self-awareness
- Best For: male drama monologues
World of the Play
- Cast Size: 1 woman, 1 man
- Characters in Play: Wesley, Linda
- Time Period: Modern
- Synopsis: In the one-act eplay Hidden Rage, Wesley talks to his wife about how he doesn’t like being the person that he is, but knows deep down that he doesn’t think he will ever change.
FAQ
A: Check out a play titled , where an emotional husband is trying to confess something to his wife that he can’t seem to admit.
A: Monologue Blogger has a section called Craft which features articles that provide insight into character study, relationships, story development and production.
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Monologue Source: Hidden Rage
Hidden Rage is a drama one-act ePlay by Joseph Arnone, 2026.
