Comic dialogue: monologue tradition
Abstract
The actor Charles Mathews regularly performed solo, giving comic monologues and developing mannerisms whereby the characters he presented could be instantly recognised as unique personalities. Dickens attended his performances as a young man, and adapted his techniques to the novel. The vast majority of celebrated ‘Dickens characters’ are identified by tags and tricks of speech which they introduce in long monologue-like speeches, and then use throughout their later dialogue.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Humor Studies and Applications
French Literature and Poetry
Comics and Graphic Narratives
Publication details
- Pages
- 22–26
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter