Monologue Script
Write stage directions (in Hans is sitting in the cell, staring down the floor. Stream
italics and brackets) of light is poured from small window from back.
which set the scene and
explain where the
character is, what they
are wearing, and what
they are doing.
What prompts them to
start speaking? This
could be them finding
the object or prop that
reminds them of the
past.
Write reflections of the You might think when people are facing death, they
two to three main events would accept it with noble mindset, with courage, with
that affected your
character.
gracefulness. But no. My stomach is twisted and
Write how your character
tangled in knots, and my feet are trembling as if to take
felt and what they off something tangled. The fear of impending end is
learned through their crawling up on my heart like a snake, and its icy venom
experiences. has entered my vein, contaminating my whole body
Use creative techniques with fear.
like simile and metaphor
to help describe their I thought it was honourable to die for my country, and I
feelings. Use stage thought when I die I would have not even a single
directions (e.g. regret, that I would leave this world and accept my fate.
movement and gesture)
to add more meaning.
[He lets out a sigh, shaking head. ]
Now I know it was only a fantasy full of lies. I’m still
struggling, still being crushed by the fear, the fear for
the future of Germany that I’d never get to see.
I’d never thought my voice and thoughts would be
considered a weapon. They were just simple words
printed on cheap pieces of paper that scattered and
swirled down into the atrium.…. Yet here I am, in a cold
cell, treated like a murderer when they are the ones
who murdered Ernst, they are the ones who murdered
millions of Jews cold-blooded. And now, they want to
murder the words ‘freedom’, ‘truth’ and ‘justice’
because their great master is a cowardly little man who
is too afraid to perceive every German’s word of
supplication. It’s strange, you know. The thing I printed
on papers seemed completely harmless and beautiful.
Just words, but they turned into deadly weapons aimed
against those who reside in a castle built on falsely. No,
they aren’t weapons. Rather, they are the medicine to
heal this dying country. I never intended to harm
anyone nor destroy Germany—all I wanted to do was to
cure Germany so that everyone can be proud again.
They think they have won? That silencing me with
violence can somehow erase the word I’ve spread
throughout the Germany? If so, their foolish optimism
will eventually suffocate themselves. Yes, they could
burn leaflets into ash, crush them, tear them, and toss
them into bin. But no one can destroy the words from
the memories of those who saw our hope and saw our
truth.
Picks up a rose
It is true. Beautiful words like ‘freedom’ cannot be
overwritten by blood and violence. It’s innocence and
beauty are like a rose. It opens and bloom and even
when it fades, people remember what a rose was like.
People will remember what we stood for.
[puts rose down?]
I have no regret for challenging Hitler, as that is only a
way to heal Germany before it truly falls apart. Even if I
could rewind back the time, and even knowing my fate,
I’d be willing to do the same thing again.
[Hans pauses, thinking]
but I feel terrible for Cristoph and his family. He does
not deserve this. He is a great friend and father, but his
family is going to lose him. I knew he wanted to cure
Germany as much as Sophie and I did, to take the
scalpel to its rotten core. But I tried really hard to keep
him out from this dangerous surgery when he insisted
to join us. It was all because I wanted a father like him
to teach and educate our next generation toward good,
not evil. He and his family deserved better, and this is
my fault….
[he pauses again, searching for words]
But maybe Cristoph saw something I couldn’t admit.
Maybe he knew that every parent, every one of us who
carries a duty—must not just teach the next generation
but protect them from evil at any price. My father once
told me to ‘be true to yourself and to God’ after what I
went through at Nuremberg. I remember I was horrified
that it might be too late, that even though I turned back
and left stupid uniforms and dagger behind, I already
Come back to the crossed the line I can never return from. But I was
present. Write what your wrong. Cristoph, Sophie…. they proved me that it was
character thinks they never to late to make difference, that you must act, you
have learned overall. must fight for what you believe in, no matter the cost.
Use creative techniques So…. [stands up]
to describe these. Use
stage directions (e.g. If the price of seeking truth is death, then so be it.
movement and gesture) Because one day, Germany will stand up as one,
to add more meaning. holding hands together, united, and the Nazis will fall.
They will pay for abandoning honesty and living in
falsely, so our sacrifice will be rewarded by peace. I can
feel the fear that had been on my shoulder being lifted
off.
[The door opens, and light comes in]
Blackout
